Young farmers are calling on all sides of politics to back a federal first farm buyer scheme as the latest interest rate decision delivers little relief for the next generation.
With the Reserve Bank of Australia deciding to keep rates on hold today, NSW Young Farmers Council Chair Martin Murray said that now more than ever, the next generation of farmers need the support of our political leaders.
“Much like the housing crisis we’re seeing in the cities, the price of purchasing a farm has become out of reach for too many young rural Australians,” Mr Murray said.
“The difference here, however, is that farms produce the food every Australian relies on.
“That’s why we need politicians to commit this federal election to a first farmer buyer scheme to provide targeted support to assist young farmers to compete fairly in the farmland market.
“By improving capital access and reducing costs, this scheme would unlock the next generation’s potential to invest, so they can grow and drive the future of our farming industry.”
With the federal election just weeks away, NSW Farmers is also calling for a reduction in red tape that’s slapping unnecessary costs on food and fibre production.
“We need new laws to allow us the right to repair for our agricultural machinery, so we can access local experts at fair prices to get these key tools fixed,” Mr Murray said.
“We also need to see the live sheep by sea trade ban reversed, the proposed super tax on family farms scrapped, and real competition reform that means fair prices and fair trade for farmers.
“Anti-farming policies are sending costs through the roof and pushing farmers out the door. It doesn’t have to be like this, and we need our farmers if we are to keep food on our forks and clothes on our backs.”
US consumers to pay price for Trump’s Australian beef tariff
By Michael Burt
Australian Farming and red meat advocacy groups say US consumers will bear the brunt of Donald Trump’s 10 per cent tariff on imported Australian beef.
Australia exported almost 400,000 tonnes of beef to the US last year, most of which ends up in an estimated six billion hamburgers for fast food chains like McDonald’s.
Mr Trump highlighted this during his ‘Liberation Day’ speech, saying it was hurting American ranchers and Australia would not import their beef.
According to the Red Meat Advisory Council (RMAC), the total impact to the American consumer from the tariffs on Australian red meat would be AU$ 600 million.
RMAC Chair John McKillop said Australian beef contributed to stable food supplies and prices in the US.
“Imports serve as a shock absorber during cyclical supply fluctuations when US meat production is down. This is the case at the moment with their overall herd at 70-year lows due to drought. Cow slaughter in the US was down 23% in 2024 and expected to decline near 10% in 2025,” Mr McKillop said.
“This means that imports are critical for the US to supply their domestic consumers.”
“For beef, a major component of Australia’s exports to the US supports a strong appetite for hamburgers. Without Australian lean beef blended with local fatty trim, the US would need to use higher value cuts in their burgers and miss out on valuable export opportunities. This, in turn, optimises value for US ranchers.”
“Australian beef is in an estimated 6 billion hamburgers consumed each year in the US and this tariff will cost the US consumer an additional US$180m per year.”
According to recent economic analysis from Steiner Consulting Group, in 2024, Australian beef imports supported $377 million in added value for US cattle producers, equal to approximately A$15 per head.
The US was Australia’s largest red meat export market in 2024, worth A$6.07B.
“It’s critical to note just how diversified Australia is with our red meat exports. Other major markets include Greater China, Japan and Korea, worth A$3.9B, A$2.6B and A$2.5B, respectively. The Middle East / North Africa Market is worth A$2B and offers demand growth opportunities.”
Cattle Australia Chief Executive, Dr Chris Parker, said the logic for the new tariff was flawed and failed to recognise that the US has had access to the Australian market since 2019, provided it could demonstrate its beef came from cattle born, raised and slaughtered in the US.
“These are the same conditions that the US imposes on Australian exporters – reciprocal arrangements are already in place,” Dr Parker said.
“The US industry has not been able to meet these standards and now wish to include beef from cattle born in Mexico and Canada.”
While the state’s peak farming body was disappointed with the Trump Administration’s 10 per cent tariff on Australian exports, NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin believed this latest trade challenge would be worked through and urged farmers to remain calm.
“Considering the deep history we have with the US and our mutually beneficial partnership, these tariffs are really disappointing to Australian farmers,” Mr Martin said.
“There’s no doubt our industry will feel the effects, some commodities more than others, but we have worked through trading issues before, and we’ll do it again.”