Australia’s Grain Sector Finishes the Year Strong

By Nikita Chawla
15^th December 2025

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) has released its December crop report, forecasting one of the biggest winter harvests Australia has ever seen. The national crop is expected to be well above the long-term average, thanks to strong results in major grain-growing regions. Wheat, barley, and canola are all set to finish the season at very high levels, with pulses also adding to the strong totals. 

It hasn’t been an easy season. Southern New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia faced dry conditions through winter, but mild weather and late spring rain gave crops a welcome boost. This late improvement explains why ABARES has lifted its forecast compared to earlier in the year. 

Harvest progress shows big differences across regions. Queensland and northern New South Wales are mostly finished, while southern NSW is close to wrapping up. Western Australia still has a huge job ahead with one of its largest crops on record. In Victoria and South Australia, harvest has been slower to start because of cool weather and frequent rain, which has delayed crop maturity. With headers now rolling across most regions, the next few weeks will be critical to confirm final yields and quality, especially for wheat and barley. 

Markets are now watching harvest results and global trends. Canola prices, which were strong earlier thanks to local demand, have eased after reports of record production overseas. Wheat and barley prices remain steady for now, but with big crops around the world, pressure on prices is likely to continue. Export demand into Asia is still a positive, but global supply means competition will stay strong. Looking ahead, the market will be shaped by shipping capacity, global demand signals, and currency movements as we head into early 2026. 

As we move into the festive season, we want to wish all growers a well-deserved break and a safe and joyful Christmas. Stay safe, and here’s to a successful start to the new year!