Crops

Lowered feed costs have helped create the highest level of investor interest in livestock in a decade, says head of agricultural finance group Barry Bogseth.

SALIC has bought a large aggregation from the Nicoletti in a deal that also represents its investment into sheep production.

ASX-listed GrainCorp has received ‘no recent definitive update’ on LTAP’s mysterious A$10.42-per-share offer.

Chief executive Naveen Sika says the company is in discussions with PE firms and other institutional investors about whether the pongamia might be well-suited to Florida farmland previously planted in citrus.

Chief executive Pat Roney says plans for the property include replanting its vineyard acres, residential development of certain parcels and consolidation with other of the firm’s wineries to utilize currently unused winemaking capacity.

The latest Australian Farmland Index paints a positive picture for Australian agriculture, although drought conditions in the east are hitting returns in some cases.

The outlook for this year is worse for many, but the overall picture is of a resilient ag sector with a lot still to offer investors.

Sydney-based Artesian Venture Partners has launched its A$50m GrainInnovate VC fund with backing from the Grains Research and Development Corporation

Ag fund managers are hoping for resolution of US-China trade tensions. The savviest will prepare for them to get better and worse.

The $706m Hancock Timberland and Farmland Fund has backed a number of acquisitions, say portfolio managers.