Rains brought a record grain harvest in South Australia

Farmers who experienced a cash shortage a year ago are preparing for the harvest, which is called the best in living memory. Grain Producers SA forecasts a record 13 million tonnes of grain to be harvested in 2026, while the regional average is about 9 million tonnes. Rye, barley, wheat, and oats are being sown in the fields, and harvesting machinery has already entered the fields in the western part of the state.

The improvement in weather conditions has positively affected livestock: sheep and cattle, which were fed by hand during the drought, have gained weight. The decision to keep the emaciated livestock has paid off, while farmers who sold off their animals can no longer afford to buy new ones. At the same time, some producers are facing difficulties due to frosts and plant diseases in certain regions.

Despite the fact that the drought has ended, producers do not yet consider the situation completely stable. Among the upcoming challenges are low grain prices, the threat from locusts, and a sharp increase in input costs — diesel fuel expenses alone have increased the budget by $200,000. A significant portion of the marketed grain will go toward paying bills that have accumulated over the past three years.