South Australian farmers are warning that meat prices could jump by up to 20 per cent, as soaring fuel and fertiliser costs push the industry to breaking point. Farmer Anthony Hurst says producers are being hammered by global pressures, with rising input costs wreaking havoc on farm budgets.
“If things don’t turn around, many farmers could be forced to cut production,” he said, a move that would mean less product on shelves and higher prices for consumers. Hurst said the pressure is unlike anything he’s seen in four decades on the land.
“It’s the toughest time I’ve seen. We’ve got record commodity pricing for red meat, but we’ve also got record expenditure.”
Calls are growing for both state and federal governments to step in, with the opposition urging the state to expand its $200 million low-interest loan scheme, originally created to support drought-affected regions. SA Opposition Leader Ashton Hurn said farmers rarely come begging to the government, but now is the time they’re asking for support, and the government is giving them the cold shoulder.
The state government told 7NEWS it is monitoring the situation closely, holding regular roundtable meetings with industry. While it hasn’t committed to expanding the loan scheme, it said other measures, including fuel excise relief, are already in place. Farmers are now calling on SA Premier Peter Malinauskas to visit regional areas and see firsthand how dire conditions have become.
