Wheat Wars: Australia’s Farmers Caught in the Crossfire

The dry earth of Brocklesby’s fields was a stark reminder of the desperation that has gripped Australian farmers. Justin Everitt, a fourth-generation farmer, stood before me with a mix of resignation and determination etched on his face. His plans to sow 50% less wheat this year were a far cry from what he had initially envisioned.

Australia, the third-largest wheat exporter in the world, is facing a significant blow. The country’s upcoming harvest may see a reduction of up to 10 million tons, translating to a 5% drop in global exports. This would have severe consequences for an already fragile food supply chain, leading to rising prices and a potential deficit.

The war in Iran has had a devastating impact on Australian farmers. Fuel and fertiliser exports from Gulf nations have been choked off, leaving farmers struggling to adapt. The price of urea, a key nitrogen fertiliser, has more than doubled, forcing many to make drastic cuts to their planting plans. In some regions, like the driest areas of New South Wales and Queensland, entire farms remain unsown due to the bleak weather outlook and high costs.

Australia typically imports over half its nitrogen fertilisers from the Middle East – a region now plagued by conflict. Even when supplies do arrive, they often come too late, rendering their effectiveness negligible. The National Farmers’ Federation estimates that up to 20% less land will be planted with wheat this year, potentially removing an area roughly the size of Belgium from production.

Argentina and Canada, two of Australia’s major trading partners, are also bracing for reduced output – a worrying trend for global food security. As farm machinery salesman Joe Gorman noted in Corowa, the ripple effects will be felt across the economy, from pub closures to bakery sales.

This crisis is not just about short-term losses but also long-term sustainability. By cutting back on fertiliser use now, farmers are effectively drawing down on soil nutrients, setting themselves up for potentially disastrous 2027 seasons. Justin Everitt’s own soil and crops will suffer in the years to come if he continues this course.

The wheat wars are a stark reminder that our food security depends on more than just market fluctuations or seasonal changes. It demands a fundamentally new approach – one that prioritises long-term sustainability over short-term gains, people over profits, and the health of our planet over our own self-interest.

As I left Brocklesby, the sun dipping below the horizon, I couldn’t help but wonder: what kind of future do we want to sow?