Latest news with #NeilBurgess
The Advertiser
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Bright spots in agriculture amid market volatility
With droughts on one side of the country, floods on the other, and political volatility overseas, Australia's agriculture industry has been right in the thick of it. But there is reason for "cautious optimism" in the $90.7 billion sector as uncertain conditions create both threats and opportunities for the nation's producers, according to Bendigo Bank's mid-year agriculture outlook. Cropping, horticulture and cattle were forecast to be on the up in the second half of 2025, while prices for sheep and wool would remain stable, the report released on Tuesday showed. Aussie beef will continue to be on the menu in the US, where herd numbers are in decline due to drought and increased costs of agricultural inputs "Demand for beef is set to remain firm as the US reduction in supply continues to favour Australian producers," Bendigo Bank executive Neil Burgess said. Weather conditions have both helped and hindered production, as rainfall in NSW and Queensland improved soil moisture, boosted summer crop yields and gave winter sowing a strong start. However, heavy rainfall and flooding in both states has damaged farm infrastructure and reduced livestock numbers in some regions. At the same time, severe drought in parts of South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria has stifled production, upped the cost of feed and created a poor cropping outlook. With varying long-term rainfall forecasts across the nation, weather will be key to performance in the final half of the year, the report said. "The season so far underscores the growing unpredictability of Australia's agricultural climate, demanding resilience and adaptability across the sector from producers and the broader supply chain." The environmental challenges have been exacerbated by uncertainty in global conditions, with tariff announcements from the US and China creating volatility in trade. But those moves could improve the chances of a deal with the EU, which would be positive news for beef and lamb exports. "Overall, the outlook for Australian agriculture is cautiously optimistic amidst the potential for improved seasonal conditions combined with rising consumer demand and lower interest rates," the report said. "While the heightened uncertainty within the global trade environment remains a headwind for producers, processors and exporters alike, favourable trade terms and strong demand is expected to provide ongoing support." With droughts on one side of the country, floods on the other, and political volatility overseas, Australia's agriculture industry has been right in the thick of it. But there is reason for "cautious optimism" in the $90.7 billion sector as uncertain conditions create both threats and opportunities for the nation's producers, according to Bendigo Bank's mid-year agriculture outlook. Cropping, horticulture and cattle were forecast to be on the up in the second half of 2025, while prices for sheep and wool would remain stable, the report released on Tuesday showed. Aussie beef will continue to be on the menu in the US, where herd numbers are in decline due to drought and increased costs of agricultural inputs "Demand for beef is set to remain firm as the US reduction in supply continues to favour Australian producers," Bendigo Bank executive Neil Burgess said. Weather conditions have both helped and hindered production, as rainfall in NSW and Queensland improved soil moisture, boosted summer crop yields and gave winter sowing a strong start. However, heavy rainfall and flooding in both states has damaged farm infrastructure and reduced livestock numbers in some regions. At the same time, severe drought in parts of South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria has stifled production, upped the cost of feed and created a poor cropping outlook. With varying long-term rainfall forecasts across the nation, weather will be key to performance in the final half of the year, the report said. "The season so far underscores the growing unpredictability of Australia's agricultural climate, demanding resilience and adaptability across the sector from producers and the broader supply chain." The environmental challenges have been exacerbated by uncertainty in global conditions, with tariff announcements from the US and China creating volatility in trade. But those moves could improve the chances of a deal with the EU, which would be positive news for beef and lamb exports. "Overall, the outlook for Australian agriculture is cautiously optimistic amidst the potential for improved seasonal conditions combined with rising consumer demand and lower interest rates," the report said. "While the heightened uncertainty within the global trade environment remains a headwind for producers, processors and exporters alike, favourable trade terms and strong demand is expected to provide ongoing support." With droughts on one side of the country, floods on the other, and political volatility overseas, Australia's agriculture industry has been right in the thick of it. But there is reason for "cautious optimism" in the $90.7 billion sector as uncertain conditions create both threats and opportunities for the nation's producers, according to Bendigo Bank's mid-year agriculture outlook. Cropping, horticulture and cattle were forecast to be on the up in the second half of 2025, while prices for sheep and wool would remain stable, the report released on Tuesday showed. Aussie beef will continue to be on the menu in the US, where herd numbers are in decline due to drought and increased costs of agricultural inputs "Demand for beef is set to remain firm as the US reduction in supply continues to favour Australian producers," Bendigo Bank executive Neil Burgess said. Weather conditions have both helped and hindered production, as rainfall in NSW and Queensland improved soil moisture, boosted summer crop yields and gave winter sowing a strong start. However, heavy rainfall and flooding in both states has damaged farm infrastructure and reduced livestock numbers in some regions. At the same time, severe drought in parts of South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria has stifled production, upped the cost of feed and created a poor cropping outlook. With varying long-term rainfall forecasts across the nation, weather will be key to performance in the final half of the year, the report said. "The season so far underscores the growing unpredictability of Australia's agricultural climate, demanding resilience and adaptability across the sector from producers and the broader supply chain." The environmental challenges have been exacerbated by uncertainty in global conditions, with tariff announcements from the US and China creating volatility in trade. But those moves could improve the chances of a deal with the EU, which would be positive news for beef and lamb exports. "Overall, the outlook for Australian agriculture is cautiously optimistic amidst the potential for improved seasonal conditions combined with rising consumer demand and lower interest rates," the report said. "While the heightened uncertainty within the global trade environment remains a headwind for producers, processors and exporters alike, favourable trade terms and strong demand is expected to provide ongoing support." With droughts on one side of the country, floods on the other, and political volatility overseas, Australia's agriculture industry has been right in the thick of it. But there is reason for "cautious optimism" in the $90.7 billion sector as uncertain conditions create both threats and opportunities for the nation's producers, according to Bendigo Bank's mid-year agriculture outlook. Cropping, horticulture and cattle were forecast to be on the up in the second half of 2025, while prices for sheep and wool would remain stable, the report released on Tuesday showed. Aussie beef will continue to be on the menu in the US, where herd numbers are in decline due to drought and increased costs of agricultural inputs "Demand for beef is set to remain firm as the US reduction in supply continues to favour Australian producers," Bendigo Bank executive Neil Burgess said. Weather conditions have both helped and hindered production, as rainfall in NSW and Queensland improved soil moisture, boosted summer crop yields and gave winter sowing a strong start. However, heavy rainfall and flooding in both states has damaged farm infrastructure and reduced livestock numbers in some regions. At the same time, severe drought in parts of South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria has stifled production, upped the cost of feed and created a poor cropping outlook. With varying long-term rainfall forecasts across the nation, weather will be key to performance in the final half of the year, the report said. "The season so far underscores the growing unpredictability of Australia's agricultural climate, demanding resilience and adaptability across the sector from producers and the broader supply chain." The environmental challenges have been exacerbated by uncertainty in global conditions, with tariff announcements from the US and China creating volatility in trade. But those moves could improve the chances of a deal with the EU, which would be positive news for beef and lamb exports. "Overall, the outlook for Australian agriculture is cautiously optimistic amidst the potential for improved seasonal conditions combined with rising consumer demand and lower interest rates," the report said. "While the heightened uncertainty within the global trade environment remains a headwind for producers, processors and exporters alike, favourable trade terms and strong demand is expected to provide ongoing support."
Perth Now
07-07-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Bright spots in agriculture amid market volatility
With droughts on one side of the country, floods on the other, and political volatility overseas, Australia's agriculture industry has been right in the thick of it. But there is reason for "cautious optimism" in the $90.7 billion sector as uncertain conditions create both threats and opportunities for the nation's producers, according to Bendigo Bank's mid-year agriculture outlook. Cropping, horticulture and cattle were forecast to be on the up in the second half of 2025, while prices for sheep and wool would remain stable, the report released on Tuesday showed. Aussie beef will continue to be on the menu in the US, where herd numbers are in decline due to drought and increased costs of agricultural inputs "Demand for beef is set to remain firm as the US reduction in supply continues to favour Australian producers," Bendigo Bank executive Neil Burgess said. Weather conditions have both helped and hindered production, as rainfall in NSW and Queensland improved soil moisture, boosted summer crop yields and gave winter sowing a strong start. However, heavy rainfall and flooding in both states has damaged farm infrastructure and reduced livestock numbers in some regions. At the same time, severe drought in parts of South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria has stifled production, upped the cost of feed and created a poor cropping outlook. With varying long-term rainfall forecasts across the nation, weather will be key to performance in the final half of the year, the report said. "The season so far underscores the growing unpredictability of Australia's agricultural climate, demanding resilience and adaptability across the sector from producers and the broader supply chain." The environmental challenges have been exacerbated by uncertainty in global conditions, with tariff announcements from the US and China creating volatility in trade. But those moves could improve the chances of a deal with the EU, which would be positive news for beef and lamb exports. "Overall, the outlook for Australian agriculture is cautiously optimistic amidst the potential for improved seasonal conditions combined with rising consumer demand and lower interest rates," the report said. "While the heightened uncertainty within the global trade environment remains a headwind for producers, processors and exporters alike, favourable trade terms and strong demand is expected to provide ongoing support."
West Australian
07-07-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Bright spots in agriculture amid market volatility
With droughts on one side of the country, floods on the other, and political volatility overseas, Australia's agriculture industry has been right in the thick of it. But there is reason for "cautious optimism" in the $90.7 billion sector as uncertain conditions create both threats and opportunities for the nation's producers, according to Bendigo Bank's mid-year agriculture outlook. Cropping, horticulture and cattle were forecast to be on the up in the second half of 2025, while prices for sheep and wool would remain stable, the report released on Tuesday showed. Aussie beef will continue to be on the menu in the US, where herd numbers are in decline due to drought and increased costs of agricultural inputs "Demand for beef is set to remain firm as the US reduction in supply continues to favour Australian producers," Bendigo Bank executive Neil Burgess said. Weather conditions have both helped and hindered production, as rainfall in NSW and Queensland improved soil moisture, boosted summer crop yields and gave winter sowing a strong start. However, heavy rainfall and flooding in both states has damaged farm infrastructure and reduced livestock numbers in some regions. At the same time, severe drought in parts of South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria has stifled production, upped the cost of feed and created a poor cropping outlook. With varying long-term rainfall forecasts across the nation, weather will be key to performance in the final half of the year, the report said. "The season so far underscores the growing unpredictability of Australia's agricultural climate, demanding resilience and adaptability across the sector from producers and the broader supply chain." The environmental challenges have been exacerbated by uncertainty in global conditions, with tariff announcements from the US and China creating volatility in trade. But those moves could improve the chances of a deal with the EU, which would be positive news for beef and lamb exports. "Overall, the outlook for Australian agriculture is cautiously optimistic amidst the potential for improved seasonal conditions combined with rising consumer demand and lower interest rates," the report said. "While the heightened uncertainty within the global trade environment remains a headwind for producers, processors and exporters alike, favourable trade terms and strong demand is expected to provide ongoing support."
News18
07-05-2025
- Health
- News18
Alzheimer's Warning: Struggles with Navigation May Surface Before Memory Loss
Last Updated: Alzheimer's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is often associated with memory loss. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia—a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour. It primarily impacts older adults and leads to a continuous decline in cognitive abilities, interfering with daily life and independence. The condition is caused by the gradual degeneration and death of brain cells, which disrupts communication between neurons. This breakdown in brain function leads to symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, difficulty with language, problem-solving issues, and changes in mood or personality. Over time, these impairments worsen, making even basic tasks challenging. Although there is no cure, early detection and supportive care can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Early signs of Alzheimer's: What does the study say? A recent study published in Current Biology has revealed that early signs of Alzheimer's disease may manifest through difficulties in navigation rather than memory loss. The research, led by Professor Neil Burgess and his team from the Space and Memory group at the UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, examined how individuals navigate through space under different environmental conditions. Participants were divided into three groups—young adults, older adults, and individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition often seen as an early stage of Alzheimer's. Using virtual reality headsets, they were asked to walk along a guided route marked by numbered cones and then return to their starting point without any assistance. To assess their navigational abilities, researchers introduced three environmental variations: one unchanged, one with ground textures removed, and one where all visual landmarks were temporarily eliminated. The findings showed that participants with MCI experienced the greatest difficulty, particularly when familiar visual cues were missing. These results suggest that impairments in spatial awareness may serve as an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease, potentially appearing well before memory-related symptoms become evident. Experts' suggestion Experts suggest that early detection of Alzheimer's is critical for effective intervention and improved long-term outcomes. Identifying navigational difficulties as a potential early symptom provides an opportunity to assess cognitive decline before more pronounced signs, such as memory loss, appear. They advise clinicians, caregivers, and family members to monitor changes in spatial orientation, such as disorientation in familiar environments, as these may serve as important early indicators warranting further medical evaluation. Dr. Leah Mursaleen from Alzheimer's Research UK emphasises the need for advanced diagnostic methods. She acknowledged the importance of exploring new methods, such as applying virtual reality environments, to assess navigational behaviour. Referring to the study, she said, 'These results suggest this method can differentiate between participants with early-stage Alzheimer's disease." According to Alzheimer's Society, spotting dementia early can be tricky, as the first symptoms are often subtle and easy to miss. However, they do acknowledge that trouble with navigation is one of the earliest changes seen in Alzheimer's, which makes this research especially important and relevant. First Published:
Perth Now
05-05-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Australian farmland values just keep on growing
Millions of hectares of Australian farmland have sold for a total of almost $15 billion, as agricultural property values rack up 11 years of growth. Median farmland values increased by 6.9 per cent in 2024 to a record $10,231 per hectare, according to Bendigo Bank's Agribusiness Farmland Values report released on Tuesday. But despite more than a decade of consecutive growth, the figures represent a cooling in the rate of annual increases compared to 2018 to 2022, when values more than doubled. "The underlying drivers of the Australian farmland market were more varied in 2024 with elevated interest rates a constant and with a greater mix of seasonal conditions," Bendigo Bank executive Neil Burgess said. "Favourable weather in NSW and Queensland has been in stark contrast to the significant lack of rain experienced in southern regions, which has been reflected in farmland prices." Victoria was the only state to experience a decline in the median price per hectare, along with slowing growth in South Australia due to drought conditions. Tasmania experienced the strongest growth year-on-year at 14 per cent, followed by Queensland at 12 per cent. Buyer sentiment was buoyed by a rebound in cattle prices in Queensland, the report said. The report showed 4.7 million hectares of farmland, roughly the size of Denmark, was sold for a combined value of $4.9 billion in 2024. The most valuable farmland was in Victoria's Gippsland region at $29,335 per hectare, followed by Tasmania's northwest at $27,019 and South Australia's Adelaide and Fleurieu regions at $22,488. Values are expected to record stronger growth in the second half of 2025, off the back of recovering livestock prices and rising crop production. Farmland availability is tight, with mixed seasonal conditions and uncertainties in global trade, Mr Burgess said. "So our outlook is for continuing moderate growth in farmland values across 2025."
