Commodity Conversations

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. 

Leaning on weaning - 10th November 2023

This week Ethan Woolley is joined by Courtney Tourle, Animal Production Specialist with Nutrien Ag Solutions based in Central West NSW.  Courtney discusses the benefits of early weaning and livestock nutrition strategies to make the most out of dry conditions. 

Sugar, spice and everything price - 3rd November 2023

This week Olivia Agar and Ethan Woolley discuss harvest progress, drivers impacting the global grain market as well as an update on the sugar and cotton markets.