Reuters – Widespread rains in Australia’s eastern grain producing states are likely to downgrade quality of the wheat crop, which is scheduled to be harvested at the end of the year, traders and analysts said.
Wheat quality reductions in Australia are set to deepen concerns over global food supplies, with the world heading toward the tightest grain inventories in years as the Russia-Ukraine war curbs exports and adverse weather reduces production.
“Nearly half the wheat crop, or around six to seven million tonnes, is at risk of quality downgrades in NSW (New South Wales),” said Ole Houe, director of advisory services at agriculture brokerage IKON Commodities in Sydney.
Read Also
Executive editor recognized for lifetime achievement
Laura Rance-Unger, former Manitoba Co-operator editor, swept up the Canadian Farm Writers Federation 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award on Sept. 20.
“We could end up having large volumes of feed quality wheat on the east coast.”
Australia is on track for a third year of bumper wheat production as near-perfect weather earlier in the growing season and higher planting boosted crop prospects.
Wheat planting in Australia takes place in April-May and harvesting starts in November. The country is a key supplier of food quality wheat to buyers in Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
“Importers might have to look at other origins for supply of high protein wheat,” said one Singapore-based trader. “There will be more pressure on suppliers in North America to ship high-quality milling wheat.”
