Farmers along the west coast of South Australia have commenced the grain harvest for the season, marking a significant milestone. According to Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA), the state is projected to yield approximately 11.6 million tonnes of grain in the 2026/27 season.
Recent rainfall from storms has provided a much-needed boost to regions that have yet to begin their harvests. Harvesters are now active in South Australia, signaling one of the most anticipated harvests in recent years.
Jesse Chandler was the first farmer to deliver a load of Commodus barley to the silos at Thevenard on September 24. He operates the family farm alongside his brother Harlee, father Milton, and mother Tracey, located at Charra, which lies between Penong and Ceduna on the west coast of South Australia.
Milton Chandler remarked that this season’s harvest is the earliest they have ever experienced. “In 2014 or 2015, we harvested the Friday before the AFL Grand Final and delivered on the Monday. This year, we harvested on Thursday, so we’re a day ahead,” he explained. “The earliest wheat we planted was on April 8, and I was apprehensive about that, but the heavy soil has been beneficial after the rains.”
Mr. Chandler anticipates a yield of about four tonnes per hectare from their barley crop. “Even in our best years, we usually face some moisture challenges during the growing season, but this year has been nearly perfect,” he stated. “Having farmed here since 1980, I can confidently say this is the best it has ever looked. It’s encouraging for everyone across the state.”
PIRSA has updated its crop yield forecast, indicating an increase in expected yields. The September report highlighted that most regions in South Australia received average to above-average winter rainfall, with August being the fourth wettest month on record.
However, the wet conditions have also led to increased disease pressure, with reports of rust, powdery mildew, net blotch, black leg, and sclerotinia in various areas. Overall, PIRSA estimates that 4.2 million hectares were sown this year, leading to the revised forecast of 11.6 million tonnes to be harvested.
Farmers have expressed the need for every tonne of grain to offset low prices and rising input costs. “We did purchase some diesel during seeding at $3.27 per litre, which was a bit of a shock,” Mr. Chandler noted. “Despite the low grain prices, we hope to balance that out with strong yields. Managing such a large crop will present logistical challenges, but it’s a welcome dilemma.”
The delivery on September 24 was not the earliest recorded in South Australia, as historical data shows grain has been received as early as September 19. Gavin Cavanagh, director of industrial management at Bunge, indicated that the bulk grain handler had anticipated an earlier harvest this year, potentially receiving more grain than usual in October due to favorable planting conditions driven by good early rains.
Bunge typically hires an additional 1,500 workers each harvest season, including overseas employees. Mr. Cavanagh stated that recent changes to visa regulations have not hindered their recruitment efforts. “It hasn’t affected us directly; most of the workers we bring in are already in Australia. We are confident we have sufficient personnel in the right areas to assist farmers with their deliveries.”
The recent storms brought beneficial rainfall, ranging from 15 to 40 millimeters across South Australia. Robin Schaefer, a grain grower from Loxton, expressed surprise at the amount of rain he received, totaling 17 millimeters. “It was a delightful surprise,” he said. “While some of our early barley won’t benefit much, I believe at least two-thirds of our crop will take advantage of the moisture.”
With abundant moisture early in the season, the plants have accumulated significant biomass. “The lentils here are thriving, and I hope that translates into a good grain yield, as there are many pods forming,” he added. “While some farms have experienced drought in recent years and could not utilize as much fertilizer as they would have preferred, we are grateful for the current conditions. Compared to a drought, this is truly wonderful, and I expect some excellent yields throughout the Mallee region.”
