The first of three industry expert updates from the autumn 2023 edition of SA Farmer. Mallala dryland farmer, John Lush, talks harvest confidence, weather benefits and challenges, price and demand, and forward planning.

Was there confidence following this season’s harvest?

We’ve finished harvest, and this was probably the best harvest I’ve seen in the 55 years I’ve been at Mallala. The canola was really good, the wheat was good and so were the lentils. 

Our rainfall was about 50mm above average and most of that came in the growing season when we needed it, so the crops were fantastic. 

Did the wetter spring and summer benefit crops? 

We had cool weather as well, and when you combine the rainfall and cooler temperatures, that’s magnificent for the crops. 

Are prices and demand for Australian grains still favourable? 

Prices have been good. If I was to put a number on it, I would say prices are at about a nine out of 10 at the moment. 

I don’t see anything happening in the world that would decrease prices at the moment, so I think they will hang around where it is at the moment. Our dollar in the mid-60 (US cents) at the moment and that helps us, because every cent the dollar drops makes a $3 difference to the price of grain. 

So all the important factors are looking positive right now. 

Was there any logistical challenges during the recent harvest? 

There were lots of challenges. The cost of what we do has increased, while the access to tractor tyres and spare parts is hard. 

Everything is pretty difficult… I think the logistics of getting parts and tyres, and the cost of fuel, will create problems. I think interest rates are going to go up as well, so there will be some challenges. 

How will the changing weather patterns affect next season’s crop? 

We’ve probably got a really good storage of moisture in the soil that will carry us through, and that will help us grow an average crop on below-average rainfall. That will give us a bit more confidence going forward. 

What factors are most important for farmers at the moment? 

The most important thing is forward planning everything that you’ll need to get the next crop in the ground. Make sure you’ve got fertiliser and herbicides organised, and if you’ve got to have gypsum and lime, get that organised early. 

Make sure you’ve got access to the latest plant varieties and seeds organised.