Cropping
Cropping Gross Value of Production 2024-25
Winter Crops
Crop Price Index Chart z
Following planting, the season progressed reasonably well although seasonal rainfall was below average in southern NSW. 52 Overall yields were exceptional with record or near record yields for wheat, barley and chickpeas. The only blight on the season was a severe frost event in Southern and some Central NSW growing regions in August. This event resulted in some crop losses and yield reductions, particularly in canola.
A key highlight for the 2024-25 season was the exceptional prices on offer for chickpeas as India temporarily lowered its import tariffs. These prices stimulated record plantings and production of 1.2 million tonnes, 61% higher than the prior record. Cereal prices were generally subdued compared to the higher pricing two to three years ago as more balanced global supply and demand generally kept prices in check. Crop forecasts were revised higher over the course of the season with final estimates of a record 20.5 million tonnes in total winter crop production, representing an 80% increase year-on-year. 3 The record result marginally pips the previous record year of 2020-21 and marks only the second year that NSW winter crop production has exceeded 20 million tonnes.
All up, the value of the NSW winter crop reached a new record at an estimated $8.9 billion, up 51% year-on-year. 76
Summer Crops
The summer crop growing season was generally conducive to good yields with average to above average rainfall, except for some areas of Southern NSW towards the end of the season. 51 Root zone soil moisture supplemented above average water allocations to provide sufficient water to finish crops, particularly those that were irrigated. 52 Mean temperatures deciles were above average for most growing regions setting key summer crops of cotton, sorghum and rice up for high yield potentials. Mean minimum temperatures for southern NSW were also above average for the critical phenological rice development stages, which helped support strong, and at a farm level record, rice yields. 53 Unfortunately, Northern NSW received heavy rainfall on the back of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March which had some impacts on cotton lint quality. Sorghum yields were also robust reaching the second highest levels on record.
Commodity prices for major summer crops drifted sideways or lower over the season, as increased Northern Hemisphere supply of cotton, rice and sorghum put downward pressure on pricing. Overall summer cropping production reached an estimated 3.2 million tonnes, down 2.5% year-one-year but still a robust 33% above the 10-year average levels. 3
The value of the NSW summer crop was estimated at $2.7 billion, down 9% year-on-year. 76
Available Water Determination & Summer Crop Production aa
- Northern MDB GS
- Northern MDB HS
- Southern MDB GS
- Southern MDB HS
- Combined Cotton & Rice Production (RHS)
Outlook
Conversely conditions in Southern NSW have been more challenging with low soil moisture and average to below average rainfall exacerbating the lingering dry conditions. 51 52 The dry conditions in the south combined with a very cold June where mean minimum temperatures reaching the lowest on record in large parts of southern NSW and limiting crop growth. 53 The weight of global grain supply, and above average global stocks to use ratio has kept cereal prices trading in a narrow band. Chickpea prices began the season at elevated prices as India has extended its temporary tarriff reductions, however a large Indian crop has put pressure on pricing closer to harvest. 177 Despite the variable seasonal conditions, winter crop plantings are estimated to be down marginally at 3% year-on-year to 6.8 million hectares, with the main declines being in wheat and canola plantings.
The regional variation has also been evident in water inflows into major water storages with capacity levels in Southern NSW lower than the Northern storages. As at September 2025 Burrunjuck, Blowering and Hume dams in Southern NSW were sitting between 56% and 63% of capacity. 197 As a result General Security (GS) water allocations in the Southern Basin have opened 52% lower, while the Northern Basin GS allocations are down 23%. Summer crop prices have been trending sideways seemingly weighed down by increased supply originating from the Northern Hemisphere, particularly the US and China. These factors are expected to contribute to an 11% decline in summer crop plantings, with the southern centric rice crop expected to suffer the biggest declines estimated to be down 30% year-on-year. 3
