Grain storage extension – Far North

Project locations: Northern Australia

Project partners: BC Warrick Business Trust ; Qld Dept Agriculture and Fisheries ; BM & VL White Trust

Project summary and impacts

As grain production expands across far northern Australia, effective grain storage is becoming increasingly important to maintaining grain quality, improving market access and supporting profitable farming enterprises. The region’s tropical climate presents unique storage challenges, including high temperatures, humidity, mould risk and insect pests, requiring management approaches tailored to local conditions.

This project strengthened the capacity of grain growers, advisers and industry stakeholders to implement best-practice grain storage management across the Far North. Building on an initial scoping study, the project identified the region’s specific grain storage challenges and opportunities and developed targeted extension resources to address them.

Through a whole-of-industry approach, the project delivered practical information, training and support to improve grain storage decision-making and management. Activities focused on helping growers invest confidently in fit-for-purpose storage infrastructure, maintain grain quality during storage, manage storage pests effectively and maximise the value of grain through segregation, blending and market targeting.

The project contributed to building industry knowledge and capability in grain storage management, supporting the long-term growth, profitability and resilience of northern Australia’s emerging grains sector.