Harvesting of grain crops has begun in South Australia

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) has raised its forecast for the region's total grain harvest in the 2026/27 season to 11,591,000 tonnes. According to the department's report, all regions experienced average to above-average rainfall during the winter, with August recording as the fourth wettest on record. The total sowing area for the current year reached 4,234,000 hectares.

At the same time, humid conditions led to an increase in crop disease incidence: rust, powdery mildew, net blotch, black leg, and Sclerotinia were recorded in several areas. Producers note that high yields are necessary to compensate for low grain prices and high input costs, including expensive diesel fuel during sowing. Recent rains brought between 15 and 40 millimeters of moisture, which benefited the majority of the crop, despite the risks to early barley cultivars.

Bunge has started preparations for the harvesting season two to three weeks earlier than usual. As stated by Industrial Operations Director Gavin Kavanagh, the annual recruitment for 1,500 additional positions is progressing successfully, as the majority of workers are already in the country and changes to visa requirements have not affected the hiring process.