GrainGrowers survey: Farm inputs ‘biggest concern’ for year ahead amid overall decline in grower sentiment

The soaring cost of farm inputs is the biggest worry on grain growers’ minds for the year ahead, with 97 per cent of those responding to a recent national survey flagging the issue as the “most significant challenge” amid an overall decline in sentiment. GrainGrowers Limited recently released the results of its annual policy survey — touted as the “most comprehensive” survey of grain farmers on offer — with 636 farmers from across Australia taking part. Ninety-seven percent all farmers that responded to the survey tagged farm inputs, identifying input costs and availability, machinery/equipment repairs and parts and chemicals as their most significant challenges. Other challenges identified by growers included trade and market access (43 per cent), workforce (38 per cent) and grain freight and supply chains 28 per cent, rounding out the top four issues. Compared to the 2022 survey, more growers nominated drought, rising interest rates, climate variability and falling or low commodity prices as reasons why the industry could worsen during the coming year. GrainGrowers chief executive Shona Gawel said the survey information was valued to shape its advocacy and policy activities. “From our perspective, we deeply value the time growers take to participate and have their say,” she said. “As a member-focused organisation, it is important to rigorously gather high-quality data to help shape activities undertaken to benefit our members.” Overall grower sentiment “significantly” declined, with more growers now expecting the grains industry to worsen than improve in the next 12 months (23 per cent) compared to last year. A total 21 per cent expected industry to improve and 46 per cent expected it to stay the same. Positive sentiment focused on improved technology, efficiency, and productivity gains. The survey showed a solid appetite for technological weed spraying, soil health innovations and new plant varieties. There was also a preference for labour-saving innovations including autonomous machinery and improved software. One in three growers that responded to the survey said their business was “in an expansionary phase”, with 22 per cent planning to increase cropping areas significantly or marginally due to more land availability and the potential for increased revenue. Ms Gawel said the data aligned strongly with the strategic direction of GrainGrowers, with six key areas identified as helping drive sustainability and profitability for grain businesses. The six areas identified by respondents as either extremely or moderately important were farm inputs (87 per cent), grain freight and supply chains (85%), trade and market access (84%), biosecurity (84 per cent), workforce (72 per cent) and carbon and climate (55 per cent). Within these areas, the majority of growers flagged several significant focus areas, including: A summary of the findings is available on the GrainGrowers website.