Rabobank 2026 Outlook: Geopolitics shapes global agriculture
The global agricultural landscape has entered a new phase where geopolitics – not only traditional market forces – will dictate agricultural trade flows, prices, and production decisions.
A new animal proteins analyst for New Zealand, Matt Costello, has been appointed to Rabobank's Food and Agribusiness Research & Advisory division.
Costello, who has strong experience as a researcher in the meat industry, joins senior analyst Hayley Moynihan, who specialises in the dairy sector.
"We're pleased to welcome Matt into our team here at Rabobank and I am confident his strong background in the animal proteins sector will be a great asset to help further support our clients in this industry in New Zealand," says Rabobank's head of Food and Agribusiness Research & Advisory Luke Chandler.
The local Australian and New Zealand research team is part of a global network of about 80 food and agriculture research analysts spread across every major production and consumption region of the world.
Based in Rabobank's Christchurch office, Costello will cover the New Zealand animal proteins sector, with a particular focus on sheep and beef.
After graduating with a bachelor of Agricultural Economics at Sydney University, Costello previously held the position of meat market analyst with Meat & Livestock Australia, in Sydney. He also conducted specialised research related to the South Asian region dealing with markets across Greater China, as well as South East Asia.
Costello says having grown up in a rural community (New South Wales, Australia) he had a natural appreciation for how important agriculture is to the local economy, a nation and globally.
"Working for Rabobank will give me the opportunity to provide analysis on current market trends and identify future business opportunities for clients," he says.
"As one of the most respected and leading agricultural nations in the world, working and interacting with New Zealand producers and industry across the entire supply chain is an exciting opportunity."
As part of his research role with Rabobank, Costello will deliver presentations at seminars, client functions, industry conferences and field days across New Zealand.
Federated Farmers says it is cautiously welcoming signals from the Government that a major shake-up of local government is on its way.
Ashburton cropping and dairy farmer Matthew Paton has been elected to the board of rural services company, Ruralco.
The global agricultural landscape has entered a new phase where geopolitics – not only traditional market forces – will dictate agricultural trade flows, prices, and production decisions.
National Lamb Day is set to return in 2026 with organisers saying the celebrations will be bigger than ever.
Fonterra has dropped its forecast milk price mid-point by 50c as a surge in global milk production is putting downward pressure on commodity prices.
The chance of a $10-plus milk price for this season appears to be depleting.

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