Australia: Grain and Feed Update

Australia's barley production is forecast to reach a record of 17.7 million metric tons (MMT) in MY 2026/27, while wheat production is forecast to decline 11 percent to 32.0 MMT. Favorable growing conditions in southern Australia are supporting above-average yields, although Western Australian yield prospects have eased following below-average mid-season rainfall. Sorghum production prospects have improved markedly following widespread rainfall in mid-October at the start of planting, supporting a forecast of 2.3 MMT and strong exports. Better-than-expected rainfall has also improved irrigation water availability and lifted the rice production forecast to 195,000 metric tons (MT), milled basis. Nevertheless, rice output remains well below historical averages, and imports are forecast to reach a record 325,000 MT.