Pastoral Market Insights March 2026

Pastoral property market in 60 seconds

Demand underpinned by export performance

Record red meat and co-product exports are supporting confidence in the sector’s income outlook, which is helping maintain depth of enquiry for well-located breeding and finishing assets.

Cattle pricing and dairy support signalling strong farm demand

Red meat schedules and dairy surpluses are driving exceptionally firm store cattle values, reflecting strong schedules, feed demand and limited supply, and pushing buyers to prioritise properties with reliable pasture performance and infrastructure.

Trade policy risk influencing buyer caution

The risk of higher US tariffs on lamb exports has lifted again, which keeps some purchasers conservative on underwriting and heightens the appeal of proven low-cost operations.

Forestry settings keeping productive land in play

With recent changes in policy settings the ability to blanket plant forestry has been removed and supply is now more clearly contested in many regions.

Compliance overlays remain a pricing differentiator

Uncertainty around compensation settings for restrictive environmental overlays is keeping buyers focused on documentation, constraints mapping, and future use optionality.

Liquidity improving through wider participation

Strong demand signals and improving operating outlooks are supporting more active buyer behaviour, with good process and clear farm data continuing to separate top-performing offerings from the pack.