What the Australian Agriculture $100 Billion Milestone Means for Family Farms
- Future Accounting
- Oct 6
- 3 min read
Written by: Chris Mulcahy
The future of family farming after the Australian agriculture $100 billion milestone
Australia’s farm sector is powering ahead, with ABARES forecasting that Australian agriculture will reach the $100 billion milestone in 2025–26.
For family farms, this is more than just a headline. It is proof that the sector is resilient, valuable, and central to Australia’s future and it highlights opportunities to plan for the next stage of growth.
Why this matters for family farms
The ABARES forecast shows:
Livestock leading the way – Beef, lamb and dairy are driving growth, with livestock output forecast at more than $41 billion.
Winter crops breaking records – Despite patchy conditions, production is tipped at 62 million tonnes, one of the largest winter crops ever.
Exports remain strong – Agricultural, fisheries and forestry exports are forecast to hit $74.6 billion, keeping Australian produce in demand worldwide.
These figures confirm what farming families already know: agriculture is strong, adaptable, and capable of thriving in both domestic and global markets.
How agriculture compares to other industries
At nearly $100 billion, agriculture now sits alongside some of Australia’s largest industries:
Mining still dominates at more than $400 billion,
Manufacturing contributes around $120 billion,
Education and tourism together are valued at about $60–70 billion.
While smaller than mining, agriculture is comparable in scale to manufacturing and service exports - and uniquely, much of this value is created by family-owned businesses rather than multinational corporations. That makes this milestone a shared achievement for farming families across the country.
How communities benefit from strong agriculture
The impact of reaching the Australian agriculture $100 billion milestone goes far beyond farm gates. Thriving farms mean thriving communities:
Local contractors, machinery dealers, accountants, and service providers benefit from stronger farm investment.
Rural towns enjoy greater demand for schools, healthcare, and retail businesses.
Employment opportunities expand, supporting not only farm families but also other small family businesses across regional Australia.
When agriculture performs well, whole communities share in the prosperity.
What it means for your family business
The $100 billion milestone is exciting, but success at the national level doesn’t automatically translate into higher profits on every family farm. What matters most is how you plan and adapt locally.
Key steps for farming families include:
Review profitability – Higher commodity prices can be offset by rising costs, so margins need close attention.
Diversify enterprises – Balance between livestock and cropping can help smooth volatility.
Plan for succession – With farm values rising, now is the time to consider ownership, structure and the next generation.
Take advantage of tax concessions – CGT and stamp duty concessions are extremely generous. Use these to build the foundation for future generations.
A positive future for Australian agriculture $100 billion milestone
The NFF’s $100 billion target for 2030 has been met ahead of schedule - a clear sign of the resilience and strength of Australian farming families.
But this milestone is also a call to action. The challenge now is to convert national growth into lasting success for your farm and community.
The Australian agriculture $100 billion milestone highlights the power of family businesses. Now is the perfect time to secure your future. Contact our team today to book an appointment and start planning for the next chapter of your family farm.
Disclaimer
This article does not constitute financial advice and is for general information only. It does not take into account any individual’s personal objectives, situation or needs, and is not intended as professional advice. Any similarity to an individual’s personal circumstances and the examples provided in this article is purely coincidental. Any person acting upon such information without receiving specific advice, does so entirely at their own risk.
Authorisation under an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) is not required in the provision of this article and the author plus Future Accounting Group Pty Ltd is not acting in its capacity as an Australian Financial Services Licence holder
Liability limited by a scheme approved under professional standards legislation.
