Agriculture is one of the most viable industries in the country, with the Hunter Valley's diverse agriculture sector being valued by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (ABARES) at $310 million dollars in 2018-19.
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With the pandemic in play, there were initial concerns with how the industry would cope. Positively, reports are showing the industry's stability in times of economic upheaval through smart decisions made by farmers, support by the Government, and good weather allowing for a decent season.
Managing Director of Rutherford's Nutrien Ag Solutions; Joe Paksec, said being a vital part of the food supply chain in Australia, through providing agriculture services and financing to farmers, the Government classified all 400 retail branches as essential workers.
"As agriculture was recognised as an essential service, confidence started [in] local markets, especially with autumn rain that improved optimism of growers.
"Initially we started to see impact of limited supply of ag products like herbicides that are manufactured overseas; for example in China. But, supply of essential items such as seed and fertiliser, to plant and grow crops, otherwise have had little impact."
In April, the Australian Government announced a $1 billion Relief and Recovery Fund, as a temporary initiative in an effort to restore global supply chains impacted by COVID-19. The project, called the International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM), was executed with $110 million being injected into agricultural exports in April.
Contributing to 77 per cent of the total agricultural production in the region, the main commodities are cattle ($135 million), followed by milk ($60 million) and poultry ($42 million). These areas have fortunately seen little disruption, however, with the transport industry facing difficulties, accessing much needed products was tough.
"As months continued we have seen disruption to other commodities like steel, used to supply fencing material; gates, wire, barb, steel posts, and any other imported product like Electric fencing products manufactured in New Zealand," he said.
"Forecasting has been crucial. Through our long term relationships with key suppliers/transport and logistics we have been well placed to ensure our customers have had access to essential products required."
With incremental changes occurring with understanding the virus, but still no end in sight, the agriculture industry remains strong. Mr Paksec was proud to state how local farmers have been very realistic with no panic buying occurring and growers cutting back capital expenditure and placing investment projects on hold.
Nutrien is offering support to any agricultural businesses/personnel that are finding themselves in need during the pandemic.
"Nutrien offers finance for crop inputs and livestock, etc. We are able to fast track and approve finance loans to clients with a trading history.
"Each case is assessed and tailored to clients' individual needs
