Wheat

Wheat production accounts for 65% of total cereal production in Western Australia with about ten million tonnes generated annually in a rain-fed system across four million hectares of land.

About 95% of WA wheat is exported - predominantly to Asia and the Middle East - generating $2-5 billion in annual export earnings for the state.

Despite a decline in annual rainfall, the improvement in agronomic practices and development of new premium wheat varieties have enabled an increase in WA wheat yield over the past 30 years at a rate higher than world average.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has a strong research, development and extension focus on wheat production through its long history in wheat breeding - now privatised through Intergrain - and the development of wheat variety management packages for the state’s grain production zones.

Articles

  • Western Australian agriculture experiences variability in its winter growing season (May–October): late starts, early finishes and 'dry seasons' with rainfall low enough to cause serious plant and

  • There are many aspects to consider when seeding grain crops at the break of the season.

  • Before committing resources to late sown or emerging crops, carefully consider its yield potential and risks to achieving that yield. If the expected yield is greater than the variable cost breakev

  • Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) is a common quality constraint of wheat that can result in downgrading of grain quality upon receival.

  • The crop sowing guide for Western Australia is a one stop shop for variety information on all the major crops grown in Western Australia.

  • Wheat is highly susceptible to frost damage between ear emergence and flowering – often termed reproductive frost.

  • FlowerPower is an online tool to predict cereal flowering dates (or cutting dates for oats) in your location.

  • Variety choice and variety management are key factors for profitable wheat production and this 'essentials' guide provides a guide to assist with these decisions.

  • In 2018, over 10million tonnes (estimated) of wheat was harvested in Western Australia.

  • Some time ago several Western Australian farmers have stored grain underground with minimal deterioration for up to 11 years.

Pages