Area under winter crops expected to increase slightly in Western Australia

16-Apr-2025 05:56 PM

Hobart. The Grain Industry Association of Western Australia (GIWA) has projected a slight increase in the area under winter crops in the state, estimating it at 88.10 lakh hectares for the 2025-26 season.

This is 2.10 lakh hectares more than the 86 lakh hectares sown during the 2024-25 season, as per GIWA’s first crop report of the year. However, these figures may be revised in the coming weeks.

Recent rainfall in southern parts of the state has boosted confidence among farmers, providing sufficient moisture in the soil to begin sowing. Earlier, dry weather had caused concern, but the recent rain spells have helped ease those fears.

In contrast, the northern region remains dry, with soil moisture dropping to 80 cm. Central parts of the state have received scattered rainfall, and some farmers there have already started sowing canola in dry soil, anticipating more rain in the next 10 days to aid germination.

Farmers are approaching the new season cautiously due to unfavorable conditions experienced last year. Canola, wheat, and barley remain the main winter crops in the region,

with canola sowing often beginning early where rainfall occurs in March and April. However, due to the current dry and hot soil in several areas, many farmers are avoiding unnecessary risks this time.