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.

Articles

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.
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.
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.
Crop diseases: forecasts and management

11 December 2013

Information is provided here to assist management of diseases and viruses that occur in broadacre crops grown in Western Australia - cereals (wheat, barley, oats and triticale), pulses (field pea,
2021 Western Australian Crop Sowing Guide

2 November 2020

The crop sowing guide for Western Australia is a one stop shop for variety information on all the major crops grown in Western Australia.
2020 Western Australian Crop Sowing Guide

29 October 2019

The Crop Sowing Guide for Western Australia is a one stop shop for variety information on all the major crops grown in Western Australia.
Cockchafer damage to broadacre crops

14 October 2013

Cockchafers belonging to the genus Heteronyx are typically not regarded as a pest of agriculture. However, two have been seen as occasional pests, with H.
Focus paddocks 2014 trial report

18 September 2014

Management of weeds, disease and nitrogen nutrition are ongoing challenges that limit yield potential.
GrainGuard

10 December 2013

GrainGuard is a coordinated and cooperative strategic approach between the grain industry and the Western Australian Government.