Agribusiness Monthly

Posted by: Kylie Wilson   The Agribusiness Monthly provides timely information and analysis on agricultural conditions, commodity price updates and commentary on the latest sectoral trends and developments.

Key highlights Wheat – Global wheat prices not immune to large production setbacks despite stocks building to 198 million tonnes Beef – Follow up rain and demand from the US will drive prices in coming months Dairy – Dry conditions in New Zealand have been the main catalyst for the recent improvement in prices however, a major recovery in global commodity markets is still a few months away FX – Further forecast falls in the AUD/USD reflecting weak economic fundamentals, ongoing signs of slower economic growth in China, potential fore more interest rate cuts Sheepmeat - Sheep prices are expected to remain steady through March with rainfall in early 2015 supporting better quality lambs and strength in the US and Middle East markets

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Do you have assets in other parts of the world? – International Wills

Posted by: Valerie Chagnon-Couture 

Those of you who hold assets in a country other than Australia will be interested to know that Australia is now a signatory to the Convention Providing a Uniform Law on the Form of an International Will 1973 and the Convention will enter into force on 10 March 2015 in Australia.  The Convention aims to simplify the preparation and witnessing requirements of international wills across countries that are party to the Convention.

An international will must meet certain requirements set out by the Convention.  Firstly, it must be signed by the testator in the presence of 3 independent witnesses.  One of those witnesses must be an 'authorised witness' such as an Australian lawyer or notary public.  The authorised person must then provide a certificate stating that the process for preparing the international will has been complied with. 

If you think you might need an international will or assistance with any aspect of your estate planning, please contact our Succession Planning team