Harvest momentum builds across Key Cropping Regions

By Nikita Chawla
10^th November 2025

Harvest is steadily gaining momentum across Australia’s major cropping regions, with canola leading the way and barley and wheat now starting to come off in earnest. New South Wales has seen good progress so far, with activity picking up in areas such as Narrabri and the Liverpool Plains. Weather conditions in the coming days will play a key role in determining how quickly operations accelerate. Canola is well advanced in the north, barley is following behind, and wheat remains in its early stages. Quality trends are broadly in line with last season, with strong oil content in many canola deliveries, though some pockets are showing lower levels due to environmental stress. Yields so far appear above average, reinforcing confidence in regional production.

Barley harvest is underway with reports of strong yields in northern areas, though much of the crop is expected to flow into feed markets despite meeting malt specifications. Off-the-header sales remain limited, with only small parcels moving into select buyers. Wheat harvest is just beginning, with mixed grades emerging and some early loads drawing interest before easing. Growers remain largely focused on getting crops off rather than marketing grain, with only limited engagement in forward selling. 

Across Victoria, harvest activity is still in its early stages, particularly in the northern and western districts. Recent rainfall has slowed crop maturity in some southern areas, but the moisture is expected to support grain fill and improve yield potential where crops were less stressed. Canola continues to be the preferred commodity for early movement, supported by relatively stronger values compared to cereals.

Looking ahead, the pace of harvest and grower selling will be key drivers for local pricing. So far, slow engagement has helped maintain firm values as buyers work to cover nearby demand. However, as more tonnes hit the bins and trade activity builds, prices may come under pressure, particularly for wheat and barley where domestic demand is not expected to absorb large volumes quickly.

International grain markets remain under pressure, with wheat values near multi-year lows as large crops from major exporters weigh on global prices. Barley faces similar challenges, with feed grain markets well supplied and malt demand subdued. Canola continues to stand out as the relative bright spot, supported by tighter global supplies and robust demand linked to biofuel policy shifts.