ABARES Forecasts Strong Winter Crop, Led by Record Lentils and Near Record Chickpeas

Australia’s winter crop production for Marketing Year (MY) 2025/26 is projected to increase by 2.4% year-on-year, reaching an estimated 61.92 million metric tonnes (MMT). This volume represents the third-largest winter crop ever recorded in the country’s history, according to the latest ABARES Australian Crop Report published on 2 September 2025. The updated forecast also reflects a sharp upward revision of 6.35 MMT compared with the June 2025 projection of 55.57 MMT, underscoring stronger-than-anticipated growing conditions and improved yields across major producing regions.

Breaking down the crop outlook:

Wheat production is forecast at 33.77 MMT, slightly lower than last year by around 1%, though it still remains the backbone of Australia’s grain sector.

Canola output is expected to total 6.38 MMT, maintaining its role as a key high-value oilseed crop.

Chickpea production is projected to reach 2.10 MMT, positioning it as the second-largest harvest on record, reflecting strong demand from export destinations such as South Asia.

Lentil production is forecast at 1.71 MMT, setting a new all-time record, highlighting the rapid growth of pulse cultivation in Australia’s agricultural landscape.

For more details on Pulses, Grains and Oilseeds for MY 2025/26, subscribe to AgPulse Analytica.