Summary

This project included a co-investment from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC), with funding reported here as combined CRCNA funding.

The project aimed to collate historical broadacre cropping data, natural resource information and market insights to support the development of viable broadacre cropping systems in the Northern Territory. This was achieved through collaboration among project participants, each contributing unique expertise to develop crop management strategies that help de-risk broadacre agriculture in the Top End.

The initial focus was on dryland and irrigated systems growing cotton and peanuts, while maize, sorghum, rice and pulse crops were also investigated as potential break crop options for cotton and peanut producers.  A combination of field trials and simulation techniques was used throughout the project.

On-farm demonstration plots established on commercial properties served two key purposes:

• To further test crop simulation models
• To provide hand-on experience for producers and serve as extension sites for promoting agricultural methods to local producers.

As part of the project’s extension plan, producers were introduced to simple methods for establishing precision and robustness in on-farm crop trials. The project team worked closely with collaborating farmers to ensure that demonstration plots met their objectives without impeding commercial farm operations.

Additionally, researchers explored the potential of harvesting wet-season flood flows into off-stream storages to support dry-season cropping – presenting a viable irrigation alternative that could enable further agricultural development across the Northern Territory.

A natural resource (soil and climate) database was developed to support agronomic decision-making. Researchers identified suitable crops, optimal cropping windows, and the impacts of climate and edaphic conditions on yield and quality. These factors were used to assess the productivity of broadacre cropping systems and the potential of diversifying pastoral leases. For crops that are technically viable based on environmental conditions and available resources, market opportunity analysis is also essential to support successful adoption.

Expected outcomes

The critical output of this project is the assessment of the regional potential for broadacre cropping in the Northern Territory. While the belief in this potential has long been held, the project built on earlier studies to capture opportunities across the Katherine/Douglas Daly region, expanding on the CSIRO NAWRA study for the Darwin region. This assessment will inform further RD&E activities within this project and guide future research in the expansion of broadacre agriculture in the Northern Territory.

• Cropping simulation tools were used to estimate the overall potential for broadacre cropping in the region. When combined with market assessments of market and basic economic analysis, the project provided an clear indication of the scope for broadacre cropping and identified areas where further research could help realise this potential. It also highlighted both the usefulness and limitations of simulation tools for regional-scale assessments and offered recommendations for their application and areas for further investigation.
• A natural resource database was developed to support cropping simulations and included processes that allow interested parties to interrogate the data. This enabled a deeper understanding of wet season start and end dates, including variations in season length and rainfall distribution. Understanding the crop window duration helps in selecting appropriate crops for each season and, when linked to known markets, allows farmers to estimate potential returns for specific crops aligned with seasonal conditions.
• The project provided strategic information to the de-risking of crop development on selected sites and guide the selection of potential sites across the Northern Territory and broader northern Australia. The data generated has been made available to pastoralists, landholders, developers, and investors to support due diligence for agricultural proposals and developments.
• The project has supported the expansion of broadacre cropping across Northern Territory. According to the Northern Territory Farmer’s Association, if the region realises its potential, significant growth in broadacre cropping is expected by 2029, generating hundreds of direct jobs – 300 in the cotton industry alone. Projected growth figures include:
  • Sorghum from 70 ha to 5,400 ha
  • Soybean from 0 ha to over 4,000 ha
  • Mungbeans from 20 ha to 6,000 ha
  • Peanuts from 0 ha to over 6,000 ha
  • Cotton from 90 ha to over 35,000 ha