Commodity Conversations

What we have heard about the US cattle herd- 1st March 2024

This week Rob is joined by Ripley Atkinson, Australian Livestock and Commodities Manager with StoneX Financial.  With cattle herds in Australia and the US a big topic of discussion, Ripley joins us to discuss the opportunities and key drivers behind the future US herd rebuild and the resulting opportunities for the Australian Beef Industry. 

Making the most out of the current lamb market -16th February 2024

This week Rob is joined by Prime lamb producer Charlie de Fegely who manages the Quamby property in Ararat, Victoria. Charlie, his partner Liz, and their sons have been innovative, progressive producers looking to maximise productivity and Charlie discusses how they've managed the last 12 months of the turbulent lamb and sheep market. 

On the lookout for more cattle- 9th February 2024

This week, Rob is joined by Jessica Clarke, Market Reporter for Argus Media to discuss the Northern cattle indicators and how the season is developing for grain fed cattle markets this season.  

Key Market Updates Quarter 4 2023 - 30th January 2024

This week the Mecardo team (Rob Hermann, Olivia Agar & Ethan Woolley) discuss the key insights from quarter 4 of 2023 in commodity markets including the livestock market turnaround, freight issues and wool premiums.  To be added to the Quarterly report mailing list, please reach out to us on ask@mecardo.com.au

Impact of large volumes for wool in 2024 - 19th January 2024

This week, Rob is joined by Stewart Raine, Victorian Wool brokerage lead with Nutrien Ag Solutions, to discuss the impact of the large wool offerings at auction to begin 2024 and the improving sentiment as we approach superfine sales in the next few weeks. 

What’s driving this strong start for Cattle and Sheep markets? -12th January 2024

This week Rob is joined by commodity conversations regular Ron Rutledge, Livestock Development Manager with Nutrien Ag Solutions, to talk about the positive start to the year for cattle and sheep markets.  They discuss recent weaner sales and the balance of the market drivers and new found confidence in buyers and sellers.

Takeaways from a rollercoaster year in commodities- 15th December 2023

This week Rob is joined by commodity conversations regular Michael Whitehead, Head of Food, Beverage and Agribusiness Insights with ANZ. Rob and Michael discuss some key takeaways from the Summer edition of the ANZ "Agri InFocus" Commodity insights report.  

The Merino of the future - 1st December 2023

This week Rob Hermann is joined by Tom Silcock, former president of the Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association. Rob and Tom discuss the future of Merino Sheep and market influences on breeder ram choices.

Where grains, oilseeds and wool are at in 2023 - 24th November 2023

This week we continue with Part 2 of Rob's discussion with David Cornish, Director of the Centre for Professional Development at Marcus Oldham College which can also be heard on the AgTalk Podcast.  In this iteration, David and Rob discuss where the world is at with grain, oilseeds, and wool markets. 

How cattle and sheep markets have changed - 17th November 2023

This week David Cornish, Director of the Centre for Professional Development at Marcus Oldham College interviews Mecardo's Robert Hermann as a 2-part series which can also be heard on the AgTalk Podcast.  In this iteration, David and Rob discuss how cattle and sheep markets have changed in recent times.