CommBank Agri Podcast

Agri Conversations with Ben Ruscoe: tech adoption in Northern Victoria on the rise

In February I sat down with Benjamin Ruscoe, the Executive Manager for Rural and Agribusiness in Northern VIC. We chatted about the 2025 season and upcoming planting for 2026. We finished off by discussing the biggest changes occurring in the region for agriculture. For more frequent updates, be sure to follow along on LinkedIn by searching Dennis Voznesenski or on X/Twitter by searching @Voz_Dennis.

Fuel availability drives concerns

Dennis Voznesenski, Commbank Agri and Sustainability Economist, delves into the latest on fuel availability amidst the US-Iran conflict. Dennis discusses the latest on grain, cattle and pulse markets. Follow Dennis on Linkedin by searching "Dennis Voz" or on X/Twitter by searching "Voz_Dennis".

Middle East Conflict - higher fertiliser prices but what about wheat prices?

The US-Iran conflict is expected to raise fertiliser prices and negatively affect farmer margins. Due to the US-Iran conflict, vessel movements in the Strait of Hormuz, directly south of Iran, have slowed to a trickle. Three freight vessels from the US and UK have already been struck according to the BBC. The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway that oversees the transport of roughly a fifth of global oil and Liquefied Natural Gas supply. Approximately a third of global urea trade also passes via the Strait according to Kpler. Join Agricultural Economist Dennis Voznesenski and FX specialist Kristina Clifton to delve into the details.
 
Disclaimer: 
 
Important Information  
This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945 (“the Bank”). 
Before listening to this podcast, you are advised to read the full GEMR disclaimers, which can be found at www.commbankresearch.com.au.  
No Reliance 
This podcast is not investment research and nor does it purport to make any recommendations. Rather, this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon for any investment purposes. 
This podcast does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not to be construed as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial products, or as a recommendation, and/or investment advice. You should not act on the information in this podcast.  
The Bank believes that the information in this podcast is correct and any opinions, conclusions or recommendations made are reasonably held at the time given, and are based on the information available at the time of its compilation. No representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, is made or provided as to accuracy, reliability or completeness of any statement made. 
Liability Disclaimer 
The Bank does not accept any liability for any loss or damage arising out of any error or omission in or from the information provided or arising out of the use of all or part of the podcast.  
Usage of Artificial Intelligence 
To enhance efficiency, GEMR may use the Bank approved artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing content for this podcast. These tools are used solely for drafting and structuring purposes and do not replace human judgment or oversight. All final content is reviewed and approved by GEMR analysts for accuracy and independence. 

Agri Conversations with Ed Rowntree: Less lentils for South Australia in 2026?

Agri Conversations with Ed Rowntree: sitting on a bench to the side of the Port Lincoln grain terminal on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, I chat to Ed Rowntree. Ed and I discuss the 2025 South Australian cropping season and how farmer decision making may change in 2026. Ed is the Executive Manager for Regional and Agribusiness SA North West at Commbank.
Disclaimer: 
 
Important Information  
This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945 (“the Bank”). 
Before listening to this podcast, you are advised to read the full GEMR disclaimers, which can be found at www.commbankresearch.com.au.  
No Reliance 
This podcast is not investment research and nor does it purport to make any recommendations. Rather, this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon for any investment purposes. 
This podcast does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not to be construed as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial products, or as a recommendation, and/or investment advice. You should not act on the information in this podcast.  
The Bank believes that the information in this podcast is correct and any opinions, conclusions or recommendations made are reasonably held at the time given, and are based on the information available at the time of its compilation. No representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, is made or provided as to accuracy, reliability or completeness of any statement made. 
Liability Disclaimer 
The Bank does not accept any liability for any loss or damage arising out of any error or omission in or from the information provided or arising out of the use of all or part of the podcast.  
Usage of Artificial Intelligence 
To enhance efficiency, GEMR may use the Bank approved artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing content for this podcast. These tools are used solely for drafting and structuring purposes and do not replace human judgment or oversight. All final content is reviewed and approved by GEMR analysts for accuracy and independence. 

Agri Conversations with David Kennedy: Record Western Australian crop

Sitting in a field in rural Australia, David Kennedy and Dennis Voznesenski chat about the record crop in Western Australia. David Kennedy is Commbank's General Manager for Regional and Agribusiness in WA & SA, based out of Perth.

Agri Conversations with Mark Schilling, 2026 innovation award winner.

Mark Schilling is the 2026 winner of the South Australian Grain Industry Innovation Prize. Mark is a fifth-generation farmer on the York Peninsula, the family has been in Cunliffe since 1925. He has managed the family property since 1995 from age 28. Not only has Mark been operating the farm, but he’s rapidly expanded it, started a machinery import company, a seed cleaning and export business, and then started a mouse bait manufacturing and retail company. He is on the board of Grain Producers Australia and has been the founding director of 8 boards. Dennis chats to Mark about all things crop production, innovation and machinery. Enjoy!
 
Disclaimer: 
 
Important Information  
This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945 (“the Bank”). 
Before listening to this podcast, you are advised to read the full GEMR disclaimers, which can be found at www.commbankresearch.com.au.  
No Reliance 
This podcast is not investment research and nor does it purport to make any recommendations. Rather, this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon for any investment purposes. 
This podcast does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not to be construed as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial products, or as a recommendation, and/or investment advice. You should not act on the information in this podcast.  
The Bank believes that the information in this podcast is correct and any opinions, conclusions or recommendations made are reasonably held at the time given, and are based on the information available at the time of its compilation. No representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, is made or provided as to accuracy, reliability or completeness of any statement made. 
Liability Disclaimer 
The Bank does not accept any liability for any loss or damage arising out of any error or omission in or from the information provided or arising out of the use of all or part of the podcast.  
Usage of Artificial Intelligence 
To enhance efficiency, GEMR may use the Bank approved artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing content for this podcast. These tools are used solely for drafting and structuring purposes and do not replace human judgment or oversight. All final content is reviewed and approved by GEMR analysts for accuracy and independence. 

Wheat prices propped up by Black Sea weather concerns

Global prices jumped last week after weather issues arose for the Black Sea. The weather forecast has also turned drier in Australia. Tune in for the details and follow Dennis Voznesenski on Linked or X (Voz_Dennis) for more updates.
Disclaimer: 
 
Important Information  
This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945 (“the Bank”). 
Before listening to this podcast, you are advised to read the full GEMR disclaimers, which can be found at www.commbankresearch.com.au.  
No Reliance 
This podcast is not investment research and nor does it purport to make any recommendations. Rather, this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon for any investment purposes. 
This podcast does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not to be construed as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial products, or as a recommendation, and/or investment advice. You should not act on the information in this podcast.  
The Bank believes that the information in this podcast is correct and any opinions, conclusions or recommendations made are reasonably held at the time given, and are based on the information available at the time of its compilation. No representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, is made or provided as to accuracy, reliability or completeness of any statement made. 
Liability Disclaimer 
The Bank does not accept any liability for any loss or damage arising out of any error or omission in or from the information provided or arising out of the use of all or part of the podcast.  
Usage of Artificial Intelligence 
To enhance efficiency, GEMR may use the Bank approved artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing content for this podcast. These tools are used solely for drafting and structuring purposes and do not replace human judgment or oversight. All final content is reviewed and approved by GEMR analysts for accuracy and independence. 

Canola prices jump & China trade exposure

This week Dennis Voznesenski chats to the head of Commbank FX, International and Geo-Economics, Joseph Capurso. We delve into his latest paper on how the Australian economy is decoupling from China. We also discuss what is behind the recent jump in global canola prices, US tariff quota on Argentine beef and Ukraine's lack of snow cover.
 
Disclaimer: 
 
Important Information  
This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945 (“the Bank”). 
Before listening to this podcast, you are advised to read the full GEMR disclaimers, which can be found at www.commbankresearch.com.au.  
No Reliance 
This podcast is not investment research and nor does it purport to make any recommendations. Rather, this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon for any investment purposes. 
This podcast does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not to be construed as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial products, or as a recommendation, and/or investment advice. You should not act on the information in this podcast.  
The Bank believes that the information in this podcast is correct and any opinions, conclusions or recommendations made are reasonably held at the time given, and are based on the information available at the time of its compilation. No representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, is made or provided as to accuracy, reliability or completeness of any statement made. 
Liability Disclaimer 
The Bank does not accept any liability for any loss or damage arising out of any error or omission in or from the information provided or arising out of the use of all or part of the podcast.  
Usage of Artificial Intelligence 
To enhance efficiency, GEMR may use the Bank approved artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing content for this podcast. These tools are used solely for drafting and structuring purposes and do not replace human judgment or oversight. All final content is reviewed and approved by GEMR analysts for accuracy and independence. 

China's economy and canola demand with Carol Kong

In this week's agricultural podcast we are joined by Commbank's International Economist Carol Kong who discusses her latest paper on the Chinese economy. For more frequent updates you find Carol Kong and Dennis Voznesenski on LinkedIn, or search Voz_Dennis on X/Twitter.
 
Disclaimer: 
 
Important Information  
This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945 (“the Bank”). 
Before listening to this podcast, you are advised to read the full GEMR disclaimers, which can be found at www.commbankresearch.com.au.  
No Reliance 
This podcast is not investment research and nor does it purport to make any recommendations. Rather, this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon for any investment purposes. 
This podcast does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not to be construed as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial products, or as a recommendation, and/or investment advice. You should not act on the information in this podcast.  
The Bank believes that the information in this podcast is correct and any opinions, conclusions or recommendations made are reasonably held at the time given, and are based on the information available at the time of its compilation. No representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, is made or provided as to accuracy, reliability or completeness of any statement made. 
Liability Disclaimer 
The Bank does not accept any liability for any loss or damage arising out of any error or omission in or from the information provided or arising out of the use of all or part of the podcast.  
Usage of Artificial Intelligence 
To enhance efficiency, GEMR may use the Bank approved artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing content for this podcast. These tools are used solely for drafting and structuring purposes and do not replace human judgment or oversight. All final content is reviewed and approved by GEMR analysts for accuracy and independence. 

Geopolitics with Dr Madison Cartwright: Venezuela, Greenland & Iran

Today we introduce CBA's new Geo-Economist Dr Madison Cartwright. Together with Dennis Voznesenski, they delve into all things Greenland, Venezuela and Iran. They also look at some of the potential implications for agricultural markets. Tune in!
To find out more information, you can find both economists on LinkedIn and search Voz_Dennis on X/twitter.
 
Disclaimer: 
 
Important Information  
This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945 (“the Bank”). 
Before listening to this podcast, you are advised to read the full GEMR disclaimers, which can be found at www.commbankresearch.com.au.  
No Reliance 
This podcast is not investment research and nor does it purport to make any recommendations. Rather, this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon for any investment purposes. 
This podcast does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not to be construed as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial products, or as a recommendation, and/or investment advice. You should not act on the information in this podcast.  
The Bank believes that the information in this podcast is correct and any opinions, conclusions or recommendations made are reasonably held at the time given, and are based on the information available at the time of its compilation. No representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, is made or provided as to accuracy, reliability or completeness of any statement made. 
Liability Disclaimer 
The Bank does not accept any liability for any loss or damage arising out of any error or omission in or from the information provided or arising out of the use of all or part of the podcast.  
Usage of Artificial Intelligence 
To enhance efficiency, GEMR may use the Bank approved artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing content for this podcast. These tools are used solely for drafting and structuring purposes and do not replace human judgment or oversight. All final content is reviewed and approved by GEMR analysts for accuracy and independence.