NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Technical Grain Specialist Mr Peter Matthews says the record crop comes off the back of good stored water reserves from a wet summer and above average rainfall through most of the states cropping regions in the growing season.

“The good seasonal conditions have allowed the crops to take advantage of the higher soil nitrogen levels which have built up over the previous dry years, with high crop yields now being seen at harvest,”  explained Mr Matthews.

“With harvest now over three quarters complete across the state, the ongoing threat for growers is the weekly storm fronts that have been delaying harvest, with the potential to cause downgrading of grain quality and reduce the value of the crop and income to growers.”

DPI Durum Breeder Dr Gururaj Kadkol is optimistic about results from DBA Bindaroi, a new variety of Durum after its first season.

“DBA Bindaroi was released in 2017 but farmers have not been able to plant it until this season due to the drought,” said Dr Kadkol.

“DPI released approximately 450 tonnes seed of DBA Bindaroi to over 80 growers and early feedback from growers indicates strong yields, with some getting a higher yield from Bindaroi than bread wheat varieties.”

“Systematic research on crown rot tolerance in the DPI has shown that DBA Bindaroi possesses better crown rot tolerance than other released durum varieties," explained Dr Kadhol.

DPI is continuing research and innovation in durum wheat and Dr Kadkol is expecting yet another new variety to be available for commercial cultivation soon with up to five per cent more yield than DBA Bindaroi.

Read the full December edition of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (ABARES) Australian Crop Report.