Grains

A record-breaking 2020-21 harvest across Australia has been reflected in NAB’s Agribusiness data showing business transactions from grain growers have surged following record production levels.

Preliminary results from a Western Australian research project suggest some grain growers are under-estimating herbicide resistance levels in cropping system weeds present on their farms.

The 2020-21 brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) season is wrapping up and Australia’s measures have again remained strong against this serious pest ... BMSB is a serious threat for Australia’s agriculture industries and environment, because of the damage it can do to vegetable crops and fruit and ornamental trees.

The Murrumbidgee valley’s multi-million dollar winter cereal crop has dodged a bullet with minimal mouse damage and recent rain lifting grower’s spirits ... The promising cropping outlook and buoyant land values have resulted in three blue-ribbon corporate holdings in the region hitting the market in the same week.

Targeted spraying technology can provide a significant reduction in herbicide use in growing crops and fallow ground, as well as night and day applications.

It is a common, but complex question for grain growers: Do I grow my farming business by purchasing more land, or by improving the hectares I already own? The answer may come from an innovative co-investment by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), the University of Southern Queensland and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) endeavouring to provide growers with the cost benefits of improving or ameliorating soil to boost both farm productivity and long-term land value.

Agribusiness Elders, reporting a strong lift in sales and profit for the half year to March, is upbeat on the rest of the year with improved winter cropping conditions and good cattle prices. Sales at Elders were up 22% to $1.1 billion and statutory profit was 31% higher at $68.2 million.

The development of ‘long coleoptile’ genetics that allow wheat plants to establish on moisture deeper in the soil has attracted strong interest from grain growers looking to improve crop establishment and therefore yields in a drying climate.

GrainCorp, releasing its half year results, sees high global demand for Australian grain and oilseeds. In the six months to the end of March, underlying EBITDA from continuing operations was $140 million, up from $105 million.