May 2026 Edition
It's hard to believe we're already at the end of May. The year is moving quickly, and businesses across Australia are working through the next round of seasonal and operational decisions that always sit on the desk at this time of year. Fuel and fertiliser conversations have eased, although staying close to supply remains sensible. Many areas across southern Australia were treated to some welcome rain over the last week, while others remain incredibly dry, with limited dam water and confidence in the winter cropping season continuing to shape day-to-day decisions.
There's no dispute that there is some tension in the air following the May budget announcement. In periods like this, we are often reminded how important it is to stay close to the numbers and keep a level head. For some, that clarity provides stability in uncertain conditions. For others, it creates the confidence and capacity to act when opportunities arise, whether that is leasing or purchasing land, rebuilding stock numbers, investing in machinery, making off-farm investments, or simply building a war chest for future options. In both cases, a clear understanding of your position is what makes the next decision easier.
May has been a great month, with much of my focus on supporting my valued AgCelerate clients. It has also reminded me how much I enjoy working one on one and building long-term trusted relationships. I'm in this for the long haul, and honestly, this work remains enjoyable even in the most challenging of seasons when you work with people who share similar values. If you're reading this and want to have a chat about how we could work together, please book an introductory call.
Below is a snapshot of things we hope you find useful or interesting. Let us know if there is something you would like included next month.
Enjoy the May Chronicle.
AGCELERATE COACHING PROGRAM
AgCelerate is moving to a waitlist from Q3 (but there's one space left)
BENDIGO BANK AGRIBUSINESS - AUSTRALIAN FARMLAND VALUES REPORT
Farmland Values Continue to Shift Across Australia
BLOG - MAY
When farm business advisory moves beyond templates and frameworks
PODCAST RECOMMENDATION
Australian Business Podcast, by Rask
PROJECT UPDATE: FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE FENCE
Six workshops in, the most consistent theme across the GRDC roadside weeds project hasn't been herbicide. It's been communication.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
“An idea not coupled with action will never get any bigger than the brain cell it occupied.” – Arnold Glasow
VICTORIAN DROUGHT SUPPORT
This program is due to conclude 30th June, get your registration in today
WOW YOUR BANKER
Helping you put your best foot forward
AgCelerate
I'd like to share that AgCelerate, my flagship coaching program for farming businesses, is about to move to a waitlist. I have one more space available before that happens, with the next intake planned for Q3.
Designed for farmers and agribusiness operators wanting to strengthen the business side of their operations, AgCelerate provides tailored one-on-one coaching and strategic support over a 12-month period.
The program focuses on helping producers move beyond day-to-day operations and take a more strategic approach to farming as a business. From business planning and financial management through to succession, stakeholder support and risk management, AgCelerate is designed to provide practical tools, accountability and clarity for long-term growth.
If joining the next intake is something you have been considering, book an intro call to grab the last AgCelerate space or hit reply.
Bendigo Bank Agribusiness - Australian Farmland Values Report
The latest Bendigo Bank 2026 Farmland Values Report
highlights the changing landscape of Australian agriculture, with farmland values reaching record highs nationally while growth begins to moderate after more than a decade of strong gains. The report explores key trends across each state, including regional movements in land values, transaction activity, seasonal impacts, and the factors influencing buyer confidence heading into 2026.
For farmers, investors and agribusiness operators, the report provides valuable insight into how market conditions, interest rates, commodity prices and seasonal variability are shaping the rural property market across Australia.
Blog - May
When farm business advisory moves beyond templates and frameworks
Most farming businesses are carrying decisions that shape far more than the next season. Decisions that potentially influence borrowing capacity, succession pathways, workload across the family and the long-term direction of land that has often been built over generations. Those decisions rarely arrive in neat packages, and they rarely respond well to generic answers.
Over time I have come to understand that the businesses I work most closely with are not looking for a template, they are looking for someone beside them while a decision is still being worked through.
Podcast Recommendation
Australian Business Podcast by Rask
Looking to sharpen your business thinking? The Australian Business Podcast shares practical insights on leadership, growth, strategy and financial management for business owners. With straightforward conversations and actionable ideas, it’s a valuable listen for anyone wanting to strengthen and grow their business, both on and off the farm.
Project Update: From Both Sides of the Fence
Since the March workshops across the Fleurieu and Yorke Peninsula regions, the GRDC roadside weeds project has continued to progress strongly. Six stakeholder workshops and a council briefing are now complete, involving growers, councils, Landscape Boards and elected members.
One of the more interesting observations emerging from this first phase is that roadside weed management is not simply a weed or herbicide issue.
While discussions around weed identification, spray timing, herbicide selection and resistance remain important, the strongest and most consistent theme across all workshops has been communication. This is between neighbours, between councils and landholders, and between contractors, Landscape Boards and roadside managers.
Participants consistently spoke about the importance of understanding who is responsible for what, improving visibility around roadside spraying activities, and building more coordinated approaches across local areas. There was strong recognition that roadside weed management is a shared responsibility, and that inconsistent practices in one part of the landscape can quickly affect another.
Herbicide resistance testing has now been undertaken across nearly 20 roadside sites spanning both regions. Priority species collected include annual ryegrass, sowthistle, flaxleaf fleabane and Feathertop Rhodes grass, with samples currently undergoing laboratory analysis.
A mini literature review has been completed to ensure the project continues to build on existing research and industry knowledge rather than duplicate work. The review reinforced that roadsides act as important weed movement corridors and highlighted the value of integrated, coordinated and locally adaptive management approaches.
The next phase will continue to explore these emerging themes while progressing demonstration activities and strengthening collaboration between stakeholder groups across both regions.
To stay up to date with this project and other CCM activities, visit our website or follow us on social media. You can find more information about this project here.
Quote of the Month
“An idea not coupled with action will never get any bigger than the brain cell it occupied.” – Arnold Glasow
Good ideas are everywhere in agriculture. A better system, a new approach, a business goal, or a plan for the future can all start with a simple thought. But real progress comes from taking the next step and putting those ideas into action.
On the farm, it’s often the small actions that create momentum - making the phone call, reviewing the numbers, trying a new process, or finally starting the project that has been sitting on the list for months. Ideas may spark change, but action is what turns potential into results.
Victorian Drought Support
Please note this program is currently due to conclude on 30 June 2026, so if you are wanting to take advantage, register ASAP using the link below.
Through Agriculture Victoria’s drought support program, eligible farmers can access up to 6 hours of 1:1 support with me at no cost. This is your chance to sit down with me, pressure test ideas, build cashflow scenarios, and make clear, considered decisions for your farm business.
WOW Your Banker
Annual review season is rapidly approaching. Imagine having your information prepared and feeling in charge of the next conversation you have with your bank manager, wouldn't it be nice to 'wow' them?
Our 'wow your banker' service is designed to do exactly that. Book a discovery call today and know you will be walking in with confidence, presenting your numbers clearly, and secure the financial backing you need.
Get yourself set up for success now - book a discovery call with Paige!
