NSW farmers, fishers and foresters have delivered another record year, with the NSW Government today announcing the state's primary industries have reached a record $26 billion Gross Value of Production in 2025-26.
The latest Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Performance, Data and Insights figures show the sector has broken its own record for a second consecutive year, growing by 4 per cent and adding another $1 billion to last year's record result.
Backed by investment in research, biosecurity and business resilience, producers have continued to grow despite challenging seasonal conditions and global market pressures.
Gilgandra cropping and livestock producer, Kevin Kilby, has endorsed DPIRD's research efforts, crediting the Department's guidance and advice as critical to achieving the quality and quantity of production on his farm, particularly under this year's challenging conditions.
"It's an ongoing battle tackling crop diseases and so the Department's research is vital to keep on top of these challenges," Mr Kilby said.
The Minns Government is supporting producers across all our primary industry sectors including some $28 million from the Regional Development Trust to back emerging agricultural industries.
Hemp, in particular, is a growing industry the government has supported with a Taskforce, an industry plan and a statewide investment prospectus, which predicts an industry worth some $100 million by 2032.
The Government's more than $1 billion in biosecurity funding and the $100 million in research capability and infrastructure is also part of the plan to build the State's agriculture industry, create jobs, and strengthen regional communities.
Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, released details of the record year in NSW Parliament today congratulating producers on what has been an outstanding year.
Some of the highlights from the report include:
Livestock
- Livestock was the standout sector in 2025-26, rising 25 per cent to $11.9 billion, supported by record red meat production and stronger prices compared with levels a year ago.
- The livestock result was 32 per cent above the five-year average, with four livestock commodities - beef cattle, sheep meat, poultry, and wool production - exceeding $1 billion.
Cropping
- NSW cropping recorded a GVP of $9.8 billion in 2025-26, with five cropping industries exceeding $1 billion for a second consecutive year, including wheat, cotton, oilseeds, barley, and pulses.
- While drier conditions reduced overall crop output, winter production remained the fourth highest on record at 18.7 million tonnes, demonstrating the adaptability of producers managing variable seasonal conditions.
- Barley increased to a new record GVP of $1.1 billion, reflecting strong production and rising export demand.
Horticulture and forestry
- Horticulture, including wine grapes, recorded a GVP of $3.7 billion, 10 percent above the five-year average.
- Forestry reached $436 million with higher demand and production of softwood expected to have partially offset reduced hardwood supply, while fisheries reached $226 million.
Exports
- NSW primary industries exports remained strong, reaching $13 billion in 2025-26, the second highest result on record, just short of the $13.1 billion record set in 2022-23.
- Livestock was the highest-value export sector at $6.7 billion, up 24 per cent year-on-year, followed by broadacre cropping at $5.8 billion and horticulture at $411 million.
- Beef exports rose to a third consecutive record high of $3.7 billion, up 34 per cent year-on-year, while sheep, lamb and goat meat exports rose to a second consecutive record of $1.7 billion.
- Wheat exports rose 4 per cent year-on-year to $2 billion, supported by higher export volumes and continued demand from South East Asia.
- China remained a major market for NSW primary industries products, with exports rising 6% to a new record high of $3.8 billion, supported by increased beef, cotton, sorghum, and wool exports.
- Exports to the United States grew by 40 per cent year-on-year to $1.9 billion, largely driven by sustained demand for red meat.
The full 2025-26 figures will be published in the upcoming NSW DPIRD Performance Data and Insights annual report scheduled for release in mid-November.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"NSW primary industries have hit a new record of $26 billion, showing the strength of our farmers, fishers and foresters and the vital role they play in our state's economy.
"This is the second year in a row our primary industries have broken records, with the value of production up $1 billion on last year. That's a terrific result for the people who work hard every day to produce the food and fibre we rely on.
"From record livestock production to strong export demand for our beef, sheep meat, wheat and cotton, NSW producers are delivering for regional communities and customers around the world.
"The Minns Labor Government is backing this success with investment in research, biosecurity and regional industries to help producers lift productivity, manage risks and seize new opportunities.
"While producers continue to navigate challenging seasonal conditions and rising input costs, these results show the resilience of our primary industries and the important contribution they make to jobs, investment and regional economies across NSW."
Gilgandra cropping and livestock producer Kevin Kilby said:
"We've been farming for more than half a century and it's a long-standing process to develop and improve the way we work and produce.
"Forty years ago, we wouldn't have been able to produce the amount and quality that we do today with the conditions we experience, and the Department's work has been at the forefront guiding those changes and practices.
"It's an ongoing battle tackling crop diseases and so the Department's research is vital to keep on top of these challenges.
"This year we've had half the average amount of annual rain but our livestock result has been fantastic, with the sheep and cattle market prices going colossal.
"We're just starting to harvest our barley at 3.5 tonnes per hectare, which is a really good result as well."
Eugowra cattle and sheep producer Tess Herbert said:
"These results show the strength and resilience of livestock producers across NSW.
"Despite seasonal challenges and rising input costs, farmers have continued to invest in productivity, animal welfare and sustainable farming practices to deliver high-quality products for domestic and international markets."
"Strong gross value of production figures are encouraging because they reflect the hard work happening on farms every day. From breeding and genetics through to pasture management and biosecurity, producers are constantly adapting to improve outcomes and maintain confidence in the sector."
"Livestock industries are a major contributor to regional communities, supporting local jobs, businesses and families. When businesses like ours are doing well, that success flows through to towns and communities right across the state."
