Australia’s agricultural markets have entered 2026 with a mix of easing livestock prices, strong export momentum and a robust grain harvest, according to the latest Monthly Commodity Updates from Bendigo Bank[i] – a backdrop that is beginning to shape both producer sentiment and rural property activity.

Commentary from Bendigo Bank’s agribusiness team points to an Australian agricultural sector that remains fundamentally resilient, even as short-term volatility emerges across several key commodities. “At the same time, Raine & Horne Rural agents are reporting continued interest in mixed farming and grazing assets, particularly in Western Australia, where productivity and export access remain powerful drawcards,” says Travis Wentriro, Network Performance Manager, Raine & Horne Rural.

Export strength offsets softer cattle prices

Australian cattle prices have eased early in 2026 after reaching highs late last year, reflecting seasonal supply and market recalibration, notes the Bendigo Bank report. However, the export story remains highly encouraging.

National beef export volumes reached a new January record of 84,343 tonnes, which is 4% higher year-on-year and 20% above the five-year average.

Record grain crop reshaping rural confidence

Australia’s 2025/26 crop has been revised higher following harvest completion, with national production now estimated at approximately 66 million tonnes. This result means national production is up 9% year-on-year. Western Australia has once again been the standout performer, delivering a record crop and expanding the nation’s exportable surplus across wheat, barley and canola.

Rod Baker, Agricultural Analyst at Bendigo Bank, says the ability to efficiently move these volumes to export markets will be critical.

“Overall, the outlook for Australian grain markets is increasingly shaped by the ability to efficiently move large volumes into export channels. Execution risk, currency movements and global demand conditions will be key factors influencing prices as the market works to absorb the expanded supply base.”

Travis Wentriro adds, “This surge in production, particularly across WA, is reinforcing market confidence in well-located cropping and mixed farming properties with good rainfall profiles.”

Livestock markets remain mixed but resilient

Across other commodities, conditions remain varied:

• Lamb prices have held firm, with the National Trade Lamb Indicator finishing January at 1,136c/kg, which is up 5% from the start of the holiday break and more than 42% above the five-year average, notes Bendigo Bank’s research.
• Wool prices moved higher early in the year before currency movements slowed momentum, though tighter supply continues to provide underlying support.
• Dairy production recorded its first increase in nine months, rising 1.8% year-on-year, although water constraints, smaller herds and irrigation costs continue to challenge producers.

Rural property momentum continues in Western Australia

Against this commodity market backdrop, Raine & Horne Rural is seeing strong interest in larger scale Western Australian rural properties that combine cropping, grazing and long-term capital growth potential.

In the state’s esteemed Dale district, Peter Storch of Raine & Horne Rural WA has listed “Sherlock”, a 1,461-hectare legacy estate at 235 Luptons Road, Westdale, for $7 million[ii]. The property blends fertile cropping country and rolling granite hills and is suited to livestock production and high-yield cultivation. It is well-fenced and has abundant water sources. It also features a mix of Merino sheep that are prized for their premium wool and succulent meat – alongside a robust cattle herd.

Meanwhile, Robert Hammerley of Raine & Horne Rural WA is marketing a 1,512-hectare mixed grazing and cropping property near Mogumber for $6.1 million. Located in a reliable 580 mm rainfall zone at 2898 Gillingarra Road, Mogumber,[iii] just 120 kilometres from Perth, aproximately 60% of the arable land attached to this property is suitable for hay, legume and cereal cropping.

In the Great Southern region, John Hetherington of Raine & Horne Rural Great Southern has listed a 1,391-hectare mixed farming enterprise at 2577 Gnowangerup-Tambellup Road, Dartnall, near Tambellup for $13 million.[iv] Already under offer, this 1,391-hectare property spanning seven titles and 13 lots offers the scale and versatility suited to both cropping and livestock enterprises.

“While commodity markets are showing some short-term variability, the fundamentals across Australian agriculture remain very strong,” says Travis Wentriro.

“That said, for many investors and producers, it’s less about chasing a single commodity cycle and more about securing versatile, well-located rural holdings that can perform across seasons and markets.”

For all your rural real estate needs in 2026, contact your local Raine & Horne office today.

[i] https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/industries/agribusiness/agriculture-insights/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=rb-br-insights_monthly--nat-always_on_2026&utm_content=rb-br-insights_monthly--nat-always_on_2026+CID_e03072f1a25e648dd0e0682e0d8eb052&utm_source=Email%20marketing%20software&utm_term=Read%20more

[ii] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/ruralwa/properties/235-luptons-road-westdale-6304-western-australia

[iii] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/ruralwa/properties/2898-gillingarra-road-mogumber-6506-western-australia

[iv] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/greatsouthern/properties/2577-gnowangerup-tambellup-road-dartnall-6320-western-australia