Wheat

Wheat production accounts for 65% of total cereal production in Western Australia with about ten million tonnes generated annually in a rain-fed system across four million hectares of land.

About 95% of WA wheat is exported - predominantly to Asia and the Middle East - generating $2-5 billion in annual export earnings for the state.

Despite a decline in annual rainfall, the improvement in agronomic practices and development of new premium wheat varieties have enabled an increase in WA wheat yield over the past 30 years at a rate higher than world average.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has a strong research, development and extension focus on wheat production through its long history in wheat breeding - now privatised through Intergrain - and the development of wheat variety management packages for the state’s grain production zones.

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Articles

  • 2025 Crop Sowing Guide Front Cover

    2025 WA Crop Sowing Guide

    5 November 2024

    The Crop Sowing Guide for Western Australia aims to provide information to support growers with decisions on the best choice of variety for each of the major crops for the upcoming season.

  • Wheat with Yellow Spot

    Wheat disease ratings

    22 June 2014

    When selecting a wheat variety to implement in a farming system, it is important to be aware of the variety's disease package to plan management options. The disease resistance ratings for wheat va

  • Pile of golden wheat grain

    Seed dressing and in-furrow fungicides for cereals in Western Australia

    20 November 2013

    Seed dressing and in-furrow fungicides contain active ingredients for the control or suppression of seed-borne diseases, some fungal foliar diseases and some fungal root rots in cereal crops.

  • trial site image

    Plant research trials map 2024-25

    22 January 2018

    In 2024, the department is conducting more than 250 research trials across the state for grains research and development, climate resilience, pastures, and horticulture systems. 

  • Potential yield tool

    9 March 2016

    The potential yield tool uses seasonal rainfall and decile finishes, calculated from historical data, to calculate the maximum wheat yield possible in the absence of any other constraints.

  • Soil water tool

    9 June 2015

    Plant available soil water graphs show the amount of soil water accumulated from the start of summer (1 November) through the grain growing season and can be used as a tool in the seasonal decision

  • Null

    Registered foliar fungicides for cereals in Western Australia

    19 November 2013

    Which foliar fungicide active ingredients are registered for which cereal diseases in WA?

  • Wheat yield losses from delayed sowing or emergence

    1 June 2017

    Delayed seeding or emergence will shorten the growing season for wheat, reducing yield potentials.

  • wheat seedlings

    Factors affecting grain crop seed germination

    14 April 2015

    There are many aspects to consider when seeding grain crops at the break of the season.

  • Muresk Institute General Manager Prue Jenkins and Dr Mark Sweetingham, Department of Agriculture and Food, are looking forward to the establishment the State Soil Archive at Northam.

    Boosting Grains Research and Development - Royalties for Regions

    20 August 2014

    Through targeted grains research and development (R&D), the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's (DPIRD) Boosting Grains Research and Development project aims to increase

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