Dry Spell Takes Edge Off Australia’s Bumper Wheat Harvest

in particular received less than 10 millimeters (0.4 inches), half the historical average. The southeastern states account for about a quarter of Australia’s annual harvest, and both are coming out of years of severe drought. Heavy rain in winter months had raised hopes for a strong harvest, and the Department of Agriculture’s latest report in September forecast the country’s wheat harvest at its fourth largest on record. Victoria and South Australia were expected to collect about 8.2 million tons. However, soil moisture has now worsened, and as temperatures warm up, crops could begin to struggle, said James Maxwell, agribusiness senior insights manager at Bendigo Bank. The Bureau of Meteorology is now forecasting only a minor chance of above-average rainfall in Victoria and South Australia before the end of 2025, with the majority falling in November. However, Maxwell said if the rain comes too late, it could delay the harvest rather than helping the crop. Australia is a major ...