The re-intensification of Tropical Cyclone Alfred into a category two system is raising concerns for agriculture in Queensland and northern New South Wales, with potential disruptions to supply chains and risks to livestock.
The cyclone, which has recently strengthened, is expected to make landfall between late Thursday and early Friday, bringing severe weather conditions to the region.
According to Sky News Australia, authorities and industry experts are closely monitoring the storm’s trajectory and preparing for possible flooding, strong winds, and infrastructure damage that could impact farming operations and transport networks.
Cyclone Alfred’s Impact on Agriculture
Currently positioned approximately 630 km east of Brisbane, Tropical Cyclone Alfred is forecast to turn west towards Queensland’s coastline. The current watch zone includes areas from Sandy Cape (Queensland) to Grafton (New South Wales), with authorities closely monitoring its trajectory.
The region at risk accounts for around 2% of Australia’s total agricultural output by value, with a strong concentration in horticultural products and poultry farming.
Jared Greenville, executive director of the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), highlighted the significance of the storm’s impact on local farming operations.
The weather events and the cyclone at the moment are a big focus for agricultural producers in that region,” Greenville told Sky News Australia’s Ross Greenwood.
We produce around two per cent of Australia’s agriculture in terms of value out of that region and a lot of horticultural products and also some poultry.”
Disruptions to Supply Chains and Livestock Concerns
With the cyclone approaching, several challenges are emerging for the region’s farmers. Obstructed supply routes could prevent agricultural goods from reaching markets, while difficulties in delivering feed and essential supplies to livestock may put additional strain on farmers.
Stranded animals will require urgent assistance to ensure their survival, and potential damage to farmland could have long-term economic consequences.
Greenville emphasised that one of the immediate concerns is the potential for cut supply lines, affecting both recently harvested crops and the ability to transport essential resources to livestock.
“It’s a bit of wait and see at the moment but often some of the first-round impacts are obviously the cutting of supply lines, and that’s important for product that’s recently been harvested or getting product out to market, but (it’s) also important to getting feed and so forth in,” – he said
Beyond logistics, the welfare of livestock is also a pressing issue.
“We’ve also got issues around livestock getting stranded and making sure we can get feed to them,” – Greenville added.
In the longer term, there are concerns about the financial impact on farmers in the region.
“Assessing what that means for farms and their produce and their incomes later on” will be a key focus for industry bodies once conditions stabilise.
Agricultural Market Outlook Amid Extreme Weather
Despite the immediate challenges, ABARES maintains an optimistic long-term outlook for the country’s agriculture.
The total value of Australia’s agricultural production for the 2026 financial year is projected to reach $91 billion, the third-highest on record.
Greenville noted that while this figure represents a slight decline from an “exceptional” 2025, the industry remains resilient.
Demand for red meat is reflected in both strong export volumes and rising export prices, which has led to the total value of meat exports expected to hit $22 billion this financial year – he said in a statement.
In addition, total agricultural exports are forecast to remain stable at $72 billion, with the figure rising to $77 billion when including fisheries and forestry.
