Bendigo Bank’s 2026 Australian Agriculture Outlook has delivered a bullish upgrade for Australia’s winter crop, boosting confidence across rural real estate, with the 2025/26 production forecast lifted 12% to 62.3 million tonnes. The season is now tracking toward the third-largest winter crop on record.

The surge has been driven by a remarkable turnaround in Western Australia, where production expectations have jumped 26% since June, adding around 5.0 million tonnes in just six months[i].

WA’s bumper crop fuels rural property confidence

The adage that “big crops keep getting bigger” is proving accurate once again in Western Australia this season. At approximately 40% complete, the harvest is delivering consistent upside surprises in both yields and receival volumes, notes the Bendigo report. As a result, state production forecasts are being progressively revised upward, with record grain production more than 26 million tonnes, the biggest by far said John Hetherington, Principal of Raine & Horne Great Southern, which services WA’s Albany, Kojonup, Denmark and the Great Southern regions.

John added, “We’ve had a massive, massive grain crop in 2025 and this is attracting mostly local rather than corporate buyers to rural property inspections.

“We had a gentle end to the winter season weatherwise, and this allowed crops to fill out. There were areas impacted by hailstorms, but corporate bulk handling is filling up faster than normal and there are stacks of grain everywhere and record yields for crops such as canola and barley.

He continued “To demonstrate the strength of WA’s cropping markets, we’ve heard stories of people going out to buy new harvesters to get the crop off.”

In 2025, John said rural real estate values across Western Australia continued to rise, albeit at a more measured pace than in recent years. “We’ve still seen some very strong sales in 2025, with solid local interest in most cases, particularly farmers buying neighbouring properties

“We expect that trend to carry through into 2026,” he said.

Positive NSW commodities to underpin rural property confidence

In NSW, Bendigo Bank predicts a broadly positive outlook for commodities. For example, the harvest was more than 60% complete by December, with yields and quality strong, with wheat markets particularly resilient. Cattle markets are expected to start 2026 steadily, and lamb prices should remain historically strong. Wool markets are improving on the back of Chinese demand, dairy production is rising, and fruit output and quality should remain strong into early 2026.

On the NSW Southern Tablelands, Nicolas Heath from Raine & Horne Rural Goulburn, said, strong commodity conditions were laying the groundwork for a rebound in rural property activity across southern New South Wales.

“Right now, there’s still some caution in the local rural property market, even with good commodity prices. But historically healthy commodities tend to flow through into land values and transaction volumes,” Nicolas said.

He added that seasonal conditions would remain a key variable. “While some areas have started to hay off in recent weeks, the broader outlook remains favourable, and history suggests rural real estate demand will lift in line with stronger commodity markets.”

That improving confidence is already being reflected in listing activity across the region, including the recent listing of North Inveralochy at 3440 Braidwood Road, Lake Bathurst, with a price guide of $3 million[ii]. The 571-acre (231-hectare) grazing block adjoins the versatile Inveralochy aggregation[iii], which Nicholas has also listed.

“This parcel features improved pastures, seven dams, and a well-designed paddock layout, highlighting the type and quality of assets coming to market as buyer sentiment strengthens,” Nick added.

“Ideally suited as a standalone property or as a valuable extension to a larger farming operation, "North Inveralochy" delivers scale, location, and functionality in one package.”

Inveralochy at 3262 Braidwood Road, Lake Bathurst, with a guide of $16 million is one of the Southern Tablelands' most significant rural holdings. Spanning approximately 2,806 acres (1,136 hectares) of highly productive mixed farming country, this exceptional property combines scale, versatility, and location. “With extensive infrastructure, multiple residences, and outstanding water security, "Inveralochy" is a rare opportunity to secure a blue-ribbon agricultural asset only minutes from Goulburn and within easy reach of Canberra and Sydney,” Nick commented.

Late rains, strong livestock prices signal brighter 2026 for SA’s rural markets

Bendigo Bank reports South Australia has experienced one of its slowest harvest starts in recent years, creating a short-term lift in cash prices for feed grain. Fruit output and quality across most major varieties is tipped to sit above average in the first half of 2026, supported by favourable spring conditions and the continuing maturation of recent plantings. South Australia’s cattle industry is forecast to see a mixed first half of 2026, according to Bendigo Bank, while lamb prices should remain historically strong.

After a prolonged dry spell and tight feed availability, Paul Clifford, Director of Raine & Horne Rural South Australia, said improving rainfall conditions and exceptionally strong livestock pricing were setting the stage for renewed confidence.

 “We’re getting winter rain very late this year, but it’s arrived in some areas when we really needed it, and suddenly there’s plenty of feed about in those fortunate areas which is underpinning overall confidence,” Paul said. “Beef, wool, lamb and mutton prices are all extremely strong. While that money hasn’t fully flowed back into the system yet, we expect it will be shortly, and that bodes well for rural real estate activity in 2026.”

Paul noted that while 2022 marked the market peak for rural property in South Australia, values had remained resilient. “We’ve had two modest seasons in a row, and it’s rare to see three. All signs point to a strong year ahead, and we’re gearing up to be very busy across South Australia in 2026.”

The late rains are already helping green up rural offerings such as Skylands, a 421-acre high-country holding listed for best offers of $3.65 million+ through Paul and Darcy Clifford[iv]. The property at 137 Faggotter Road, Myponga, features rich soils and perennial pastures supported by reliable rainfall, spring-fed dams, Wild Dog Creek and a small waterfall, delivering strong water security.

Infrastructure includes solid fencing, machinery, hay and workshop shedding, well-appointed cattle yards, two-phase power and 12 paddocks supported by dams and stock troughs. “With feed, water and natural shade in abundance, Skylands is well positioned for immediate production with genuine room to push harder if a new owner chooses,” Paul added.

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

[i] https://www.bendigobank.com.au/media/bendigo-bank-agribusiness-outlook-broadly-positive-for-australias-farmers-heading-into-2026/

[ii] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/properties/north-inveralochy-3440-braidwood-road-lake-bathurst-2580-new-south-wales

[iii] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/goulburn/properties/inveralochy-3262-braidwood-road-lake-bathurst-2580-new-south-wales

[iv] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/strathalbyn/properties/137-faggotter-road-myponga-5202-south-australia