South Australia’s grain season is continuing to exceed expectations, with the state’s latest crop forecast climbing to 11.6 million tonnes as growers head towards what could become one of the strongest harvests on record.
The latest Crop and Pasture Report from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA has lifted its 2026–27 production forecast to 11.6 million tonnes. That is up 18 per cent from PIRSA’s July forecast of 9.8 million tonnes and 32 per cent above the five-year average.
It also pushes the state’s outlook beyond the 11.3 million tonnes forecast by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences earlier this month.
The season has continued to strengthen following widespread above-average rainfall and major improvements in soil moisture across much of South Australia.
August proved particularly significant, becoming South Australia’s fourth-wettest August on record and helping crops establish strongly heading into spring. Grain Producers SA CEO Brad Perry said the latest figures reflected what farmers were seeing on the ground.
“The crop across much of South Australia looks phenomenal, and the latest forecast confirms the enormous potential growers are seeing in their paddocks.”
“There is still a considerable distance to go before the grain is safely in the silos.”
If favourable conditions continue and crops avoid damaging frost and other late-season setbacks, Grain Producers SA believe the state could challenge its grain production record.
The strong winter has also delivered excellent pasture conditions across much of the state, with abundant feed, strong water supplies and spring feed surpluses reducing the need for supplementary feeding.
Livestock producers are also benefiting from stronger prices for lamb, mutton, beef and wool, although higher livestock prices are making replacement breeding stock more expensive.
Despite the strong outlook, growers are still facing several risks between now and harvest.
Wet conditions have increased disease pressure in some crops, while farmers are monitoring the potential threat from locusts across parts of regional South Australia. A $6.5 million locust preparedness program is currently supporting surveillance and control measures, including a chemical rebate scheme for eligible producers.
Growers are also keeping a close watch on the developing El Niño and the prospect of hotter, drier conditions through spring and into summer. Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven said the latest forecast was welcome news after difficult conditions across recent seasons.
“Fantastic conditions throughout winter have given farmers across much of South Australia something to look forward to after a challenging few years of drought.”
For growers, the focus now turns to protecting crops through the final stages of the season and ensuring enough workers, fuel and supply-chain capacity are available when harvest begins.
The full 2026–27 Crop and Pasture Report is available through PIRSA.
