Positive news for farmers on the NSW North Coast: HTW

The anecdotal reports are of positive harvest news for those macadamia farmers that did not suffer storm damage earlier in the year, according to the latest report from Herron Todd White (HTW).

The valuation firm said that solid yields and very good kernel recoveries have been noted.

Further, there is a shortage of good quality macadamia farms listed for sale.

The sugar cane harvest has kicked off on all three rivers.

CCS levels are very positive this early in the year at around 11 CCS, stated the report.

It added world sugar prices are very challenging at the moment at around 12.25 cents per pound US, due to a world surplus in stocks.

NSW cane growers are expecting over $30 per tonne at mill average CCS for the 2018 harvest, according to the report.

A sugar cane farm on the Clarence River has recently sold by tender for $1,365,000, including the crop.

The 91 hectare property included a good machinery shed with power connected and indicates a land value of around $13,000 per hectare.

The valuers said "we understand it was purchased by a cane farmer which, in recent times, is not the usual as macadamia farmers have been very active in this market segment".

Cattle grazing properties are continuing to attract strong demand, although recent conditions have been dry and challenging pasture conditions.