Rural property markets look set for a strong spring, buoyed by surging red meat prices, improving seasonal conditions, and renewed buyer confidence.

According to the August 2025 Bendigo Bank Agribusiness Insights[i], demand for Australian beef and lamb remains at robust levels. Appetite for Australian beef continues to soar throughout July, with US demand showing no signs of slowing down. Strong interest from local processors, combined with resurgent restocker demand, is also pushing Australian cattle prices higher.

Lamb and mutton markets continue to track at record levels due to tight supply, as well as the more favourable seasonal conditions and outlook.

Cropping confidence returns

Widespread late-July rainfall has been a turning point for the nation’s winter cropping season, lifting yield expectations. Barley continues to outperform wheat, supported by steady feedlot demand and tightening old crop supply, while late-contracting producers are securing over $10/kg MS as processors compete for supply.

On the horticulture front, vegetable prices remain strong year-on-year across most sectors, though high input costs are challenging margins. Meanwhile, wool prices have lifted, supported by a slight decrease in supply and steady demand, defying currency changes, which bodes well for spring markets.

Something in the water as rural buyer interest heats up

Paul Clifford, Director of Raine & Horne Rural SA, says buyer sentiment has shifted sharply in recent weeks.

“About a week and a half ago, the phone certainly got busy again,” Paul said. “Everyone can see red meat prices are surging, the season’s improving, and interest rates look steady.

“Last year was challenging, and this year has had a slow start, but confidence is back. Rural property is a long game, and I feel like there’s something in the water right now.”

Paul notes that while the market was quieter in the first half of the year, new listings are now coming through, with strong interest from local operators and lifestyle investors looking to capitalise on the buoyant livestock market.

Recent standout offerings from Raine & Horne Rural SA include Dalveen East[ii] which boasts 712 acres across five highly productive land titles, listed for best offers around $4.65 million – and the contiguous Dalveen Homestead[iii] a rare 661-acre legacy holding with eight freehold titles, offered from $3.2 million.

Dalveen East at 84 Dalveen Road, Woodchester, approximately 45 kilometres from Adelaide, comprises mainly heavier red sandy loam soils, and is primarily suitable for a wide range of cropping and grazing pursuits. Paul said, “This property is perfect for those seeking to upscale, diversify, or lay down rural roots - with convenient access to metropolitan city essentials by way of Strathalbyn and Mount Barker.”

Historic Dalveen Homestead hits the market for the first time in 172 years

Last brought to market in 1853, Dalveen Homestead at 173 Dalveen Road, Woodchester, offers a rare opportunity to secure blue-ribbon grazing country, as well as a slice of South Australian history. The historic c1865 homestead combines prestige and practicality, with spacious period interiors, manicured gardens, and fully operational infrastructure including stone shearing sheds, modern implement sheds, silos, and quality fencing.

Long recognised for its Dalveen Merino and Poll Merino stud, the property boasts a long-term lambing percentage of 108% and a consistent fertiliser program.

“Properties of this calibre, history, and productivity are tightly held,” said Paul Clifford of Raine & Horne Rural SA. “Dalveen Homestead presents an exceptional chance to expand or establish a premier farming enterprise.”

With beef and lamb prices holding firm, better rainfall, and interest rates stabilising, the stage is set for a robust spring selling season in rural South Australia and beyond. “For rural property vendors, strong commodity markets coupled with improving property demand is creating a window of opportunity,” Paul Clifford added.

Farmers and corporates eye WA farmland

Confidence is slowly returning to the rural property markets in WA, with farmers and corporate buyers showing renewed interest despite nerves about sheep prices edging higher, according to John Hetherington, Principal of Raine & Horne Rural Great Southern.

“The overall sentiment has lifted across cattle, cropping, and mixed farming, with steady enquiry levels flowing through,” John said.

“While conditions aren’t as frenzied as two years ago, demand is solid right across the board. “Farmers and corporates are active, and there’s a bit more positivity in the air.”

One standout opportunity brought to market by Raine & Horne Rural Great Southern is a prime 179-hectare (440-acre) grazing property at 91 Millbrook Road, Green Valley[iv], near Albany. The property is going to auction on Friday, 29 August 2025, and has already drawn strong attention, with inspections continuing in the lead-up to auction day.

“With plenty of genuine interest, we’re expecting a competitive result,” John said.

If you’re looking to buy, sell, or expand your rural holdings in 2025–26, contact your local Raine & Horne Rural office for expert guidance.

[i] https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/industries/agribusiness/agriculture-insights/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=rb-br-insights_monthly--nat-always_on_2025&utm_content=rb-br-insights_monthly--nat-always_on_2025+CID_5bac111b2ebf6d91ad2aad14bbcb7b24&utm_source=Email%20marketing%20software&utm_term=Read%20more

[ii] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/strathalbyn/properties/84-dalveen-road-woodchester-5255-south-australia

[iii] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/strathalbyn/properties/173-dalveen-road-woodchester-5255-south-australia

[iv] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/greatsouthern/properties/91-millbrook-road-green-valley-6330-western-australia

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