Survey reveals changing face of SA grain farming

A new insight report from Grain Producers South Australia has revealed the state's grain growers are increasingly leasing land, adopting collaborative farming arrangements and planning for succession as they adapt to a changing operating environment.

The 2025 Annual Grain Producer Survey attracted a record 1,046 responses from growers across every cropping region, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the industry's structure, workforce and future direction.

The report found more than 30% of respondents now lease land to expand their businesses, while almost a quarter are involved in share farming and around 60% have succession planning underway.

Wheat and barley remain the state's dominant crops, while diversification into lentils, pulses and hay continues.

Despite three-quarters of growers reporting they were profitable in 2025, two-thirds said profitability still needs to improve, with drought, rising input costs and lower commodity prices among the key challenges.

Grain Producers SA Chief Executive Brad Perry says the survey highlights the increasingly complex nature of modern grain businesses and will help guide the organisation's future advocacy.