SA grain farmers expected to harvest 5.3m tonnes in 2024/25, the lowest amount since 2008/09

South Australian grain farmers are expected to harvest one of the worst crops in years due to this year’s drought, punching a nearly $2bn hole in the state’s economy.

It’s estimated the 2024/25 harvest will be 5.3m tonnes and worth $2.1bn at the farmgate. Picture: Zoe Phillips

South Australian grain farmers unable to reap a crop due to the drought will result in the worst harvest on record in 15 years and a billion-dollar hit to the state’s economy.

The Department of Primary Industries crop and pasture report has estimated the 2024/25 harvest to be 5.3m tonnes and worth $2.1bn at the farmgate.

The forecast tonnage was 42 per cent below the five-year average and the lowest since 2008/09 – another drought year which saw 4.9m tonnes harvested.

In comparison, the state’s farmers last year harvested 8.7m tonnes and usually contribute about $4bn to state’s $18bn agricultural sector.

Grain Producers SA chairman John Gladigau said with the combined impacts of drought and frost on the growing season, producers must weather “one of the toughest seasons in recent memory”.

Grain Producers SA chairman John Gladigau. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Mr Gladigau added grower challenges were expected to persist beyond this season.

“The full extent of the drought’s impact on the cropping industry, and its ripple effects on local communities, will be much larger than many people realise,” he said.

The Mid North region around Laura, Jamestown, Booleroo Centre and Gladstone is the worst hit. Farmers in the far West Coast, lower Yorke Peninsula and South-East are also experiencing the worst cropping season in living memory.

Earlier crop and pasture reports by PIRSA had estimated the crop to be 7.7m tonnes in July and 5.9m tonnes in September, based on information current at those times.

The state government announced a $18m support package last month – after months of pleas by the industry for help – which includes grants for on-farm drought resilience infrastructure and mental health support.

At the time, Primary Industries Minister Claire Scriven acknowledged the “incredibly challenging times” facing the state’s farmers.

However, Opposition leader Vincent Tarzia said the government must do more after he spoke with farmers in the Mid North and Adelaide Plains on Wednesday.

“What’s currently on the table from the state government is simply not enough to hold these farmers up during a time they have described as the worst in living history,” Mr Tarzia said.

“Drought conditions not only impact farmers themselves, it has significant and at times detrimental impact on local businesses and communities more broadly.”

Opposition spokeswoman Nicola Centofanti said the support package was inadequate when compared to the expected billion-dollar hit to the state’s economy.

“The Opposition ... will continue to call on the government to ensure that any measures they announce will deliver practical support for our farmers,” Dr Centofanti said.

Originally published as SA grain farmers expected to harvest 5.3m tonnes in 2024/25, the lowest amount since 2008/09