Moisture Dividends, Geopolitical Shifts, and the Sowing Squeeze Welcome to our April update. It has been a whirlwind of activity since we last spoke, with significant developments both globally and right here in our local paddocks. Seasonal Outlook: Profile Gains and Sowing Prep Locally, we’ve seen further rainfall that has continued to bank crucial moisture into the profiles for our southern growers. While our Northern New South Wales customers are still looking for that same relief, much of the south now has an excellent moisture base to sow into. Summer Spraying: The rain has triggered an incredibly busy summer spraying window. We have been working our hardest to keep up with demand while simultaneously shifting gears to get sowing products out to the farm gate. Logistics Pressure: With slots filling up fast at the ports and demand for early fertiliser pickups increasing dramatically, our logistics teams are operating at maximum capacity. Organisational ROI: Those who are organised and getting product on-farm early are navigating this volatile period with the least stress. Chemical Update: The New Price Floor The conflict in the Middle East has driven prices upward as we anticipated. We are seeing a general upward trajectory across almost all chemical products, driven by increasing prices in China, rising international shipping freight, and higher local transport costs from port to farm. Current Active Status: Glyphosate & Paraquat: The volume of summer spraying has put short-term supply constraints on these knockdowns. Glyphosate 450 and Paraquat prices have both moved up into the mid-$4 range. Glyphosate 540: This active is now extremely tight and has moved into $6 territory. LVE MCPA: Expect a significant local price increase over the next four weeks. An explosion in a Chinese factory has lifted prices by over $1/L in China, which will flow through to our market. Sowing Products: Most pre-emergents are still in good supply. If you haven’t ordered yours yet, we suggest doing so this week. Fungicides: Organised farmers are already planning their first round of fungicides to follow their post-emergents. Given the pressure on global supply chains, it is prudent to be more organised than less this season. Fertiliser Update: Navigating Supply and Spend Urea remains the most volatile sector, and we are now facing a very tight supply situation. Supply Alert: Urea supply across all ports is currently low. We recommend grabbing supply as you need it rather than waiting. The Price Reality: We understand that urea at $1400/tonne is a difficult pill to swallow. Risk vs. Reward: Farmers should carefully weigh the risk and reward of their nitrogen spend. While the price is high, it is likely to remain in short supply throughout the peak demand period. Key Actions for April Lock in Sowing Requirements: It appears highly unlikely that pricing will soften during the season; the "early bird" truly gets the worm this year. Secure Your Urea: With port stocks low and prices at $1400/tonne, securing your immediate needs is critical to avoiding being left empty-handed. Forward Plan Fungicides: Don't wait until you see the disease; get your fungicide requirements organised now to ensure you aren't caught by supply chain delays. We thank everyone for their support and business so far this year. It’s a bumpy ride, but we are committed to riding it with you.