Sorghum
Grain Sorghum is the dominant summer crop grown on the Queensland properties for use as a stockfeed for the cattle, pig and poultry industries. The planting window for Sorghum is from September to January but with the aim to avoid flowering during the extreme heat of January.
The harvest period is from February to May subject to planting date. Depending on location, planting time and variety, the growing period for Sorghum is between 115 and 140 days from planting to harvest. Growth rates are sensitive to temperature and moisture, as well as soil fertility, insect and disease damage.
- Sorghum is predominately planted in Queensland Properties Myola and Wyobie (Darling Downs)
- Hectares Planted: 1,500 – 2,500 ha’s
- Production: 8,000 – 12,500 tonnes
Cotton
Cotton is primarily grown as a fibre crop on the Queensland properties. Due to its high dependence on water, the area of cotton from one year to the next is dependent on stored soil water and seasonal outlook. In the absence of water-stress, growth and development is determined by temperature.
Planting occurs between the months of September and December but is dependent on the soil temperature and moisture with picking occurring between April to June. As the cotton plant is a perennial, it must be defoliated/dessicated to stop it growing and promote ripening. The cotton plant is also very susceptible to insects, namely heliothis that can burrow into the cotton bolls affecting quality and yield. Careful crop monitoring must be carried out to manage this risk.
- Cotton is predominately planted in Queensland Properties Myola and Wyobie (Darling Downs)
- Hectares Planted: 800 – 1,200 ha’s
- Production: 3,200 – 5,000 bales
Wheat
Wheat is the dominant winter crop grown across the Warakirri group. The majority of the varieties grown are Australian Hard and Australian Prime Hard which are aimed at producing high quality wheat suitable for the domestic and export markets.
Planting of wheat occurs between the months of April and May with harvest commencing in late November to early December.
- Wheat is planted on all Warakirri Properties
- Hectares Planted: 13,000 - 14,000 ha’s
- Production: 35,000 – 50,000 tonnes
Barley
Barley is widely grown across the southern locations of the Warakirri group. High yielding malting varieties are predominantly grown for the domestic and export malt markets. Planting and harvest times are generally the same as for wheat.
- Barley is predominately planted in New South Wales and Victorian Properties
- Hectares Planted: 5,000 – 6,000 ha’s
- Production: 15,000 – 24,000 tonnes
Canola
Canola is an oilseed crop from the brassica family grown mainly for the cooking oil industry as well as the emerging bio-fuels sector. It is grown across the winter dominant rainfall regions.
Planting occurs between April and May and canola generally has a 5-7 month growing season dependent on variety, location and climate. Harvest occurs through early summer.
- Canola is predominately planted in New South Wales and Victorian Properties
- Hectares Planted: 4,500 – 5,500 ha’s
- Production: 6,750 – 11,000 tonnes
