SA Grain Producers Sound Warning on Diesel and Fertiliser Pressures

South Australian grain producers are warning they are entering the seeding period under significant pressure, with growing concerns around diesel and fertiliser affordability and availability.

A survey conducted by Grain Producers SA has revealed widespread anxiety across the sector, with nearly 800 responses highlighting the scale of the challenge.

Chief Executive Brad Perry says growers are particularly exposed at a time when demand for inputs is at its peak.

He says while recent Federal Government measures on fuel and fertiliser are a step in the right direction, they will do little to ease the underlying cost burden this season.

Mr Perry says for grain producers, changes to the fuel excise largely amount to a timing difference in cashflow, rather than a meaningful reduction in input costs.

With seeding imminent, he says many growers have already locked in fertiliser purchases, often based on what they could secure rather than what they would ideally apply.

Survey results show more than 80 per cent of respondents are experiencing diesel supply issues, while fertiliser access and pricing remain a major concern for the majority of growers.

Mr Perry says a lack of transparency around pricing and supply is compounding uncertainty, warning any disruption to key inputs such as urea could directly impact yields and overall production.