From war to weather, Australian farmers are planting spring crops in an uncertain world
Growers across the country are grappling with surging fuel prices and inconsistent rainfall.
Australian farmers are embarking on spring with a mixture of optimism and uncertainty, as the latest crop forecast predicts a record winter harvest. Despite a dry winter outlook, improved rainfall has benefited growth in some regions. However, fluctuating global fuel and fertiliser markets, along with a potential record-breaking El Niño, pose challenges for farmers.
The conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have exacerbated these issues, driving up fuel and fertiliser costs, and making it difficult for farmers to invest in crops at risk of insufficient water. Some farmers have adjusted their planting decisions, favoring barley over wheat due to its resilience in dry conditions and lower fertiliser needs.
The El Niño is expected to bring drier conditions to southeast Australia and southwest Western Australia, raising concerns about scarce rainfall and late frost. While lentil production is forecasted to reach a record high, chickpea production may drop significantly. In Western Australia, the season began well but has since slowed due to a lack of rainfall, affecting early sown crops.
Overall, Australian farmers face multiple pressures, but the country remains a major food exporter, with wheat production projected to reach 29.9 million tonnes, up 3% from the ten-year average.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
