Australia Forecasts Record Barley Harvest and Large Wheat Yield for 2025/26 Marketing Year
Australia expects the largest barley harvest in history and the second-largest wheat harvest in the 2025/26 marketing year. Despite unfavorable weather conditions, the country is demonstrating exceptionally high results in the grain sector.
This is reported by AgroReview
Impact of Weather Conditions on Yield in Western Australia
Western Australia, which accounts for about 40% of the national wheat and barley production, faced limited rainfall until July. This significantly delayed the start of the planting campaign, which typically begins in April. However, after a prolonged drought, the region received a record amount of rainfall, promoting vigorous crop development and positively impacting the upcoming harvest.
Record Harvest and Export Potential Forecasts
It is estimated that the wheat harvest for the 2025/26 marketing year will reach 37 million tons, which is 34% higher than the average of the last decade. The barley harvest is forecasted at a record level of 15.5 million tons, which is 32% more than the 10-year average.
Regarding exports, Australia plans to ship 27 million tons of wheat abroad. This is 3.3 million tons more than last year and 7.3 million tons above the 10-year average. More than 50 countries remain the main importers of Australian wheat, with Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and South Korea holding leading positions.
“The increase in barley production is associated with high yields, which are forecasted to be the second highest in the country’s history. The projected barley yield for the 2025/26 marketing year is 12.5% higher than last year’s figure and 26% above the 10-year average. Barley exports are expected to reach 8.6 million tons, which is the second-highest figure in history, with China purchasing about three-quarters of all Australian barley over the past two years.”
Thus, Australia maintains its leadership in global grain production and exports due to favorable weather conditions and high yields, ensuring stable development of the country’s agricultural sector even in challenging climatic conditions.