Debate around the grains levy system has sharpened this week following confirmation the Federal Agriculture Minister has rejected a proposal to adjust the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) levy. The issue was raised during Senate Estimates, where Slade Brockman questioned whether growing GRDC reserves, confirmed at more than $728 million and expected to rise further, should trigger a reconsideration of levy settings paid by growers. Under the current system,

Revelations that Grains Research and Development Corporation reserves are set to grow by $50-70 million this financial year despite efforts to increase spending were made during Senate Estimates earlier this week. This was also coupled with news from Minister for Agriculture Julie Collins that a response had not yet been provided to Grain Producers Australia (GPA) on last year's levy proposal which would reduce GRDC contributions direct from grain producers. Grain Central rep

Reviews of chemicals by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) need to consider the wider environmental and financial implications of its decisions according to Grain Producers Australia (GPA). Country News reported that there are concerns from GPA that decisions that remove key chemical from producer toolboxes that could have flow on effects. GPA Southern Region Director and Research, Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said

As we move into 2026, the picture across the grains industry is mixed, and that’s probably the best word to describe farming in Australia at any time. In many regions, growers have just wrapped up harvest and can look back with a real sense of pride. Across Western Australia in particular, growers have delivered what is shaping up as the best harvest on record for the state. That’s an outstanding result and a credit to the skill, investment and persistence of WA farm business

Grain Producers Australia Southern Region Director Mark Schilling has been celebrated among South Australia’s grain industry at the SA Grain Industry Awards 2026. The Yorke Peninsula grower was recognised with the Innovation Award alongside an impressive cohort of award winners and nominees from across the state at the event hosted by Grain Producers SA (GPSA). GPA Chair Barry Large congratulated Mr Schilling on the accolade as a part of GPSA’s initiative that is celebratin

Grain producer budgets are being examined as low grain prices are prompting growers to hold onto their last season's grain. Farm Online reported that growers were looking for savings as the cost of production continues to increase and fertiliser is the first on the list according to experts. Grain Producers Australia Southern Region Director Andrew Weidemann said this was a major concern and one GPA continued to prioritise in its advocacy efforts. "We're seeing prices for inp

Unattractive grain prices and tight margins are prompting growers to hold onto their 2025-26 grain in on-farm storage. Countryman reported that this was impacting shares, with grain handler GrainCorp experiencing a multi-year low in shares after downgrading its earnings outlook. The expected received volumes and exports were set to drop as growers avoid monthly storage fees and hold their product. Grain Producers Australia Southern Region Director Andrew Weidemann told AAP th

Lentil prices hitting low prices not seen for years is not expected to prompt a change of plans for grower plantings in 2026. The crop has largely experienced high prices for the past 5-10 years, which has resulted in large planting increases both in Australia and overseas. Queensland Country Life reported that the price drop, attributed to increasingly larger crop sizes globally, has many growers holding onto their lentils to sell at a hopefully higher price. Grain Producers

By GPA Research Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann. Environmental consequences and financial implications need to be a part of what is considered when Australia’s chemical regulator reviews chemistries. For many grain producers, the reviews of key chemicals such as paraquat, diquat HERE and glyphosate have been the cause of much frustration and angst in recent years with our very logical arguments holding no weight in the conversation. However, the han

Australian growers have met maximum residue limits (MRLs) in 2024-25 at a rate of 99.6 per cent. This strong result, as reported by Grain Central, to the National Residue Survey (NRS) program is informed by sampling across bulk export terminals, container export packers, oilseed crushers, feedmills, flour mills, feedlots, and food processors and is funded by grower levies GPA RD&E spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said as a part of GPA’s representative role in oversight of the N

Market access requirements for maximum residue limits of chemicals have been met with flying colours as Australian grain producers show 99.6 per cent compliance. As reported by 2WEB radio in an interview with Grain Producers Australia Research Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann, this result is critical to maintaining market access and is a testamemt to good practices employed by producers. "The National Residue Survey is something that's funded by growers

Grower commitment to meeting maximum residue limit requirements has been reinforced following solid results in the 2024-25 National Residue Survey. Compliance was measured at 99.6 per cent, supporting the mechanism for grain exporters to retain market access requirements internationally. The program is funded by grower levies and involves samples being taken at export terminals, container packing sites, oilseed crushers, feedmills, flour mills, feedlots and food processors. G