Farms in Focus: A New Era for Australian Agriculture

A major new report reveals Australian farmers are embracing innovative land management practices—but face significant hurdles in making them work.

A report titled Farms in Focus, commissioned by the Commonwealth Bank and led by Harvard University researchers, surveyed 500 Australian farmers between November 16, 2025 and March 16, 2026. The findings paint a picture of an industry in transition, with farmers actively adopting new methods while grappling with serious challenges.

Key Findings

Top Concerns

Input costs ranked as the number-one concern for farmers, with natural disasters and extreme weather events coming in second. Professor Michael Hiscox of Harvard noted this ranking of natural disasters was "surprising," highlighting the growing pressure from climate-related risks.

Sources of Optimism

Despite the challenges, farmers remain hopeful. Consumer trends were ranked as the highest source of optimism, followed closely by favorable changes in government policy and regulation.

"Consumer trends and government policy changes were key sources of hope." — Professor Michael Hiscox, Harvard University

Practice Adoption on the Rise

Many farmers have already adopted new land management practices such as:

• Rotational grazing
• Cover cropping

These practices are being implemented with a clear focus on cost reduction and productivity improvement. Significantly:

• Two-thirds of adopters expected a positive return on investment
• Their profit outlooks were more positive compared to non-adopters

Case Study: Matthew Peart

From 10 paddocks to 70 smaller cells—one grazier's regenerative journey.

Matthew Peart, a grazier in central Queensland, transformed his family's organic beef operation over nearly 20 years. He split 10 paddocks into 70 smaller cells and implemented daily rotational grazing to allow land rest.

The results speak for themselves: Peart reported increased profitability, greater resilience, and renewed optimism. Perhaps most importantly, the practices attracted the next generation to farming—a critical factor for the industry's future.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Kylie Allen, CommBank Executive

"Farmers want to make changes but face limited cash flow and rising costs."

Allen emphasized that practice change is now fundamentally a business decision with positive environmental co-benefits. This reframing suggests that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.

Michael Guerin, NFF CEO

Guerin offered a clear message to governments: reduce regulatory burdens to encourage change. He also stressed that while agriculture contributes to better environmental outcomes, this contribution is not well recognized by the wider community.

The Bottom Line

Australian farmers are navigating a complex landscape of rising costs, climate pressures, and new opportunities. The adoption of regenerative practices is accelerating, driven by clear economic incentives and a growing recognition that healthy land means healthy business. Yet the path forward requires support—from financial institutions, policymakers, and consumers alike.