South Australian crops in the Mallee, Eyre Peninsula thriving

Crop growers in South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula and Mallee regions have gone from drought to one of their best harvests ever.

South Australia’s Mallee and Eyre Peninsula regions are leading the state in what is anticipated to be a standout harvest after years of drought.

The Mallee has recorded one of its wettest Septembers in history, delivering what grower John Gladigau says is “season defining” rain.

Mr Gladigau, who farms wheat, barley, canola, chick peas, lupins, lentils, field peas and canola on 11,000ha of owned, leased and sharefarmed land at Loxton, said this year’s rain was a relief.

“We’ve had four droughts in five years, so we’ve had a pretty tough time,” he said.

“This is an opportunity for us to get back on our feet.”

John Gladigau, pictured in July 2019 with a chickpea crop, has been through four droughts in five years. This season is an opportunity for his business to get back on its feet. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

At the start of this season Mr Gladigau’s property, Bulla Burra, had “no subsoil moisture” and inched along until 25-30mm of rain at the end of May allowed crops to get established.

Rainfall in July and August was “enough” to get through winter. Then September came along.

“It has been the most amazing September that you can imagine,” Mr Gladigau said.

The farm had recorded 70mm of rain as of Friday, one of its highest September rainfall totals since recordings began.

John Gladigau's crops at Loxton in South Australia are looking fantastic after "season defining" 70mm of rainfall in September. Photo: Supplied

“We don’t tend to get too much rain in the Mallee. Rain means grain for us,” he said.

The combination of a good crop and high prices this year was a big opportunity for the business.

“Normally when we have a good crop, like in 2010 and 2016, the whole country usually has a good crop. So we get impacted by low prices because there’s a glut (of grain on the market).

“To have a year when grain prices are fantastic, historically speaking, combined with what looks like a really good crop, it’s what this region really needs after four out of five drought years.”

Another lazy 35mm overnight to give us 70mm for Sept. Only 3 wetter Septembers in recorded history.

Rain makes grain in the Mallee.#jumpinginpuddles#happydancepic.twitter.com/AhdyxiW3Ko

— John Gladigau (@johngladigau) September 21, 2022

Grain Producers South Australia chief executive Brad Perry said rain had been widespread across the state this season, and crops were “absolutely booming”.

Some crops in the Eyre Peninsula were “the best I’ve ever seen them”, Mr Perry said.

The Eyre Peninsula received a downpour of 250mm over two days in January, washing away roads and inundating paddocks.

But the rainfall got growers off to a “fantastic start” with high soil moisture, he said.

Grain Producers SA chief executive Brad Perry. Picture: Supplied