The latest survey reveals the pressures, priorities and surprising realities facing South Australian grain producers
Running a grain farm in South Australia has become much more than planting a crop and crossing your fingers for rain.
A new survey of more than 1,000 South Australian grain producers has found growers are changing the way they operate, with more leasing land, entering share farming arrangements and planning for succession as they respond to rising costs, seasonal pressures and an increasingly complex business environment.
The Grain Producers SA Annual Grain Producer Survey collected responses from a record 1,046 growers across every grain-growing region of the state, providing one of the most comprehensive snapshots of South Australia’s grain industry.
South Australian Grain Producers Face New Challenges
The survey of South Australian grain producers found almost 40 per cent of respondents lease land to or from other farmers, while almost one in four are involved in share farming, reflecting a growing trend towards collaborative farming arrangements.
Grain Producers SA Chief Executive Officer Brad Perry said the findings reflected how farming businesses had evolved.
“Today’s grain producer is running an increasingly sophisticated business,” he said.
“Whether it’s employing staff, leasing land to achieve scale, planning succession or investing in new technology, today’s grain businesses are continually evolving.”
Succession planning is also a strong focus, with almost half saying they already have a succession plan in place, while many others are either working towards one or have recently taken over the family farm.
Despite another dry season, almost 70 per cent of growers had expected their 2025 harvest to outperform 2024, although many were quick to point out that better yields have not necessarily meant stronger profits.
Rising fertiliser prices continue to place the biggest strain on farm budgets, with almost half of respondents identifying fertiliser as their largest on-farm cost. Combined with chemicals, seed and fuel, more than 80 per cent of growers said farming inputs were their biggest expense.
Life On The Land
Beyond the financial pressures, the survey also paints a picture of the everyday realities of farming in regional South Australia.
More than 80 per cent of respondents reported dealing with kangaroos on their farms, highlighting one of the many day-to-day challenges grain producers face beyond weather and commodity prices.
Around 80 per cent also reported experiencing mobile phone blackspots, while one in four growers said they had been approached by mining companies seeking access to their land. One in five had received approaches from renewable energy companies.
The survey also found almost every grower surveyed carries additional fire preparation equipment, underlining how bushfire preparedness has become part of everyday farm life.
Looking Ahead
While the survey reflects an industry under pressure, it also highlights the resilience of South Australian grain producers.
Despite rising costs, seasonal challenges and tighter margins, growers continue to invest in improved farming systems, crop diversification, drought-tolerant varieties and long-term planning.
The record survey paints a picture of an industry that continues to adapt, balancing the traditions of farming with the realities of running an increasingly complex business.
Read the full 2025 Annual Grain Producer Survey Insight Report here.
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