Australian farmers forecast fourth-largest harvest amid cost crisis
ABARES predicts 61 million tonnes, Australia's fourth-largest winter crop harvest on record.
Better-than-expected rainfall boosted crop growth across South Australia, Victoria and southern New South Wales. This lifted the forecast 16% above the ten-year average.
Global fuel and fertiliser costs are hurting planting choices. Some farmers are switching from wheat to barley.
Barley handles dry conditions better and costs less to grow. A potentially record-shattering El Niño is already underway.
It's expected to bring drier conditions to southeast Australia and southwest Western Australia.
- 61 million tonnes
- Forecast harvest
- 16%
- Above ten-year average
Why it mattersFarm income affects food prices, export revenue and rural employment across Australia.
AustraliaHarvest size and crop mix shape Australia's food supply and grain export earnings for the coming year.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 7 d ago
