More widespread feedback is required for any levy change proposal to be successful according to Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins. News of the rejection of Grain Producers Australia's proposal following a poll of levy-paying producers in late 2025 was announced after the issue was raised in Senate Estimates. Grain Central reported on the outcome and spoke to GPA Southern Region Director and RD&E spokesperson Andrew Weidemann. He indicated GPA would take on the Minist

Minister for Agriculture Julie Collins has reinforced the need for a business case from both grains representative organisations to support a call for reducing the grains levy. This confirmation comes after Grain Producers Australia conducted a poll of levy-paying grain producers in late 2025 which showed a majority of producers would like to see a reduction in the research, development and extension component of the compulsory levies. The Weekly Times reported on the Minist

Low grain prices are the cause of growers deciding to hold onto their grain in on-farm storage and wait for change. The Weekly Times reported that approximately 30 per cent of the 2025-26 grain harvest could still be on farms with growers weighing up prices against the need for income to put in their next crop. GPA Southern Region Director and Victorian grower Andrew Weidemann said the amount being held could be closer to 50 percent and a national inventory of grain stocks wo

Grain Producers Australia’s levy review is continuing as per the prescribed processes, with the results of a professional and independent survey of grain producers now with the Federal Minister for Agriculture Julie Collins for response. This follows significant consultation reaching more than 7 million people in key grain producing regions in late 2025, inviting Australian grain producers to have their say on the grain levy’s future rates. The national survey of grain...

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,

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

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