South Australia's 2026 Harvest Kicks Off with Record-Breaking Yields

The 2026 harvest has officially commenced in South Australia, with farmers across the state capitalizing on timely rainfall to bring in what promises to be a bumper crop. Jesse Chandler was among the first to deliver his harvest to the silos at Thevenard, bringing in a load of Commodus barley on September 24.

Milton Chandler, who farms with his son Jesse, brother Harlee, and wife Tracey at Charra, halfway between Penong and Ceduna on the west coast of South Australia, said this year's harvest was the earliest they had ever undertaken.

"I think it was 14 or 15 [2014 or 2015] we reaped the Friday before the AFL grand final and delivered on the Monday and this year we reaped on the Thursday so we're a day in front," Mr Chandler said.

The Chandlers' early barley crop was planted on April 8, a decision that initially caused some nervousness due to the early start. However, with their heavy country benefiting from the wet conditions, they are optimistic about their yields. Mr. Chandler estimated they would harvest about 4 tonnes to the hectare with their barley.

"Normally even in our good years we'll have a period during the growing season when the crop will have a bit of a moisture check but this year it's almost been textbook."

Milton Chandler expressed his enthusiasm for the current state of the crops, highlighting that it was the best he had seen since starting to farm in 1980.

"I've been farming here since 1980, and this is the best it's ever looked. It's great, and it's fantastic that it's statewide so it's a real positive for everyone."

Crop Yield Forecast Revised Upward

The latest crop and pasture report from Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) has revised upward the state's crop yield forecast. The report noted that all regions of South Australia experienced average to above-average winter rainfall, with August being the fourth wettest on record.

However, the wet conditions have also led to increased disease pressure, with reports of rusts, powdery mildew, net blotch, black leg, and sclerotinia across several regions. Despite this, PIRSA now estimates that 11,591,000 tonnes will be harvested from an area of 4,234,000 hectares.

Farmers are hoping the increased yields will help offset low grain prices and high input costs. Milton Chandler mentioned the challenges posed by high diesel prices during seeding.

"We did buy a little bit of diesel through seeding at $3.27; that hurt a little bit, that was a bit of a wake-up call," Mr Chandler said.

"Even though the [grain] prices aren't great hopefully we can [compensate] that with some big yields."

Logistical Challenges Ahead

Bunge director of industrial management Gavin Cavanagh said the bulk grain handler had been preparing for an earlier harvest. The company typically recruits an additional 1,500 workers during harvest season, including overseas workers.

"We are expecting that we will receive more than we normally would in October given the good start the farmers had and the early plant on the back of those good opening rains," Mr Cavanagh said.

Mr. Cavanagh also noted that changes to visa requirements had not directly impacted their ability to fill roles, as most of their recruited workers were already in the country.

Recent Rainfall Welcomed

The recent storms that brought 15 to 40 millimeters of rain across the state were a welcome relief for farmers. Loxton grain grower Robin Schaefer said he received 17mm of rainfall on October 2, which he described as a "lovely surprise."

"It was a lovely surprise," Mr Schaefer said.

"Some of our very early barley is pretty close to going now so that won't benefit, but the majority, I'd say at least two thirds or more of our crop would still benefit".

Mr. Schaefer highlighted the benefits of the early season rainfall, which had resulted in significant biomass growth in his lentil crop.

"The lentils up here, the biomass is amazing, hopefully that will translate into grain but there's certainly lots of pods on them"