Exploring the economics of late sowing (June) options in the Geraldton Port Zone

By Montana Bradley

The Mingenew-Irwin Group (MIG), in collaboration with the Liebe Group, is leading a regional initiative to explore the profitability and performance of late-sown crop options in Western Australia’s Geraldton Port Zone and wheatbelt. Supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), the Exploring the economics of  late sowing (June) options in the Geraldton Port Zone project aims to identify which crop species provide the best economic returns when seeding is delayed into June due to a late break or machinery breakdowns, a challenge that is becoming increasingly common across the northern wheatbelt. 

Seasonal variability and later autumn breaks are placing growing pressure on traditional sowing programs. While many growers dry seed in May, this practice carries risk if follow-up rainfall is delayed. In contrast, waiting for a reliable rainfall event can improve establishment and weed control but shortens the growing season, increasing financial uncertainty. This project responds directly to grower concerns following consecutive late starts in 2023 and 2024, when many faced difficult decisions about whether to seed late or reduce cropping programs altogether. 

Trial Focus and Design 

The trials shift the emphasis from yield maximisation to overall system profitability, comparing a range of short-season crop types sown under late-break conditions. Across two soil types, heavy red loam and light sandplain, the project is assessing short-season wheat and canola, along with lupins, lentils, field peas, and chickpeas, under two distinct times of sowing (TOS). 

TOS 1: seeded in early June 

TOS 2: approximately two weeks later 

By comparing these two sowing windows across species and soil types, the project will identify which crop and variety combinations offer the best economic return and resilience when seasonal opportunities arrive late. 

Each trial follows a small-plot, randomised block design with three replicates. The heavy land site near Mingenew is

maintained by DPIRD Geraldton, while the sandplain site near. Dalwallinu is coordinated by the Liebe Group, with Living Farm providing technical support. Both trials are being monitored for plant establishment, biomass, weed pressure, disease, grain yield, and quality, ensuring strong data for both agronomic and gross margin assessments. 

Mingenew: Heavy Land Insights – Evaluating Short-Season Crops Under June Sowing 

The Mingenew site, located on heavy soils near Mount Budd, represents the heavier-soil environments typical of the Geraldton Port Zone. The trial includes wheat (Vixen and Scepter), canola (Emu and Hunter), and grain legumes (chickpea and lentil), sown on the 9th and 30th of June. The site will provide critical data on how crops perform when seeding is delayed well beyond the traditional break. 

Assessments throughout the season will measure differences in establishment, nitrogen use, and growth between species and sowing times. The economic evaluation at harvest will determine whether traditional reliance on wheat for late sowing remains justified or whether alternative crops such as canola or pulses may offer higher profitability under short-season conditions.