- Author CRC for Developing Northern Australia
- Publish date 2 March 2021
- Type Fact sheet
- Documents
- Broadacre cropping
Summary
This newsletter provides an update of the CRCNA’s five cropping research collaborations currently underway at various locations across Northern Australia.
These projects are co-funded by the CRCNA, the Grains RDC (GRDC), the Cotton RDC (CRDC) and include cash and in-kind co-contributions from other industry project participants.
From March 2021, the CRCNA and project participants will host a weekly webinar session for each of these projects and the registration details are provided within this newsletter or via our events page here.
Projects
Potential for broadacre cropping in the NT
This project assessed the Northern Territory’s land, water and climate resources to evaluate the potential for broadacre cropping industries across the Territory. Through field trials, APSIM modelling and analysis of historical climate and soil datasets, the project examined crop suitability, sowing opportunities and production risks for crops including cotton and peanuts. The research identified strong production potential in several regions when cropping systems align with seasonal rainfall patterns and suitable soil types. The project also highlighted the importance of soil-water dynamics, irrigation scheduling and agronomic management in supporting successful cropping systems under highly variable northern conditions. The project delivered valuable soil-climate datasets, modelling tools and agronomic insights that are now supporting grower decision-making, investment planning and future industry development. It also contributed to increased confidence in NT cotton production and supported the development of local processing infrastructure, including the Katherine cotton gin.
Spicing up Northern Australia with high-value condiment crops
The Spicing up northern Australia with high-value condiment crops project explored the potential for establishing a new high-value spice industry across northern Australia. Funded by CRCNA and delivered by CQUniversity Australia in partnership with AgriVentis Technologies Ltd, the project evaluated the agronomic performance, commercial viability and market opportunities for a range of spice and condiment crops suited to northern farming systems. Over three years, field trials were conducted across Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia, progressing promising crops through varietal evaluation, verification and commercial-scale production trials. The research identified black sesame, fennel and kalonji as the most suitable crops for northern Australian conditions, with black sesame demonstrating strong adaptability across multiple production regions and seasons. The project generated valuable production, market and supply chain knowledge, providing growers with evidence-based information on incorporating high-value spices into existing crop rotations. It also highlighted key barriers to commercial expansion, including mechanised production systems, pest and weed management, and post-harvest processing requirements. The findings laid the foundation for the follow-on Great Northern Spices program, supporting continued industry development, grower adoption and investment in new agricultural opportunities across northern Australia.
De-risking broadacre cropping options in northern Queensland
This project investigated how broadacre cropping could be integrated into grazing systems across northern Queensland to improve profitability, resilience and land productivity. Working with producers, agribusinesses and regional stakeholders, the project tested crop options, varieties and management practices through on-farm trials and modelling. The research identified sorghum as a strong diversification opportunity for northern grazing enterprises, with several experimental hybrids outperforming existing commercial varieties and progressing toward commercial release. The project also developed practical agronomy packages and decision-support tools to help producers assess cropping opportunities and manage production risk in highly variable seasonal conditions. The project demonstrated that integrating cropping with grazing can improve business resilience, support more efficient land use and create new regional economic opportunities across northern Queensland.
Developing an oilseed industry in Northern Australia
Developing an oilseed industry in northern Australia investigated the potential for oilseed crops to become a new and diversified agricultural industry across northern Queensland. Led by Savannah Ag Consulting and project partners, the project established multiple oilseed trials across Far North Queensland to identify which oilseed crops were best suited to northern growing conditions and how they could be integrated into existing farming systems, particularly sugarcane rotations. Trial and demonstration sites were established across Laura, Mareeba, Cairns, Innisfail and Walkamin, as well as in the Burdekin and Mackay regions, to support grower engagement and agronomic decision-making. The project screened a range of oilseed crops and identified several promising opportunities for future industry development. Particular focus areas included safflower production during sugarcane winter fallows, future biodiesel production from safflower oil and the longer-term potential for regional oilseed crushing facilities. Research also identified practical agronomic outcomes for soybean production, including benefits from reduced sowing rates and improved disease management strategies. Importantly, the project demonstrated how oilseed crops could contribute to more diverse and resilient northern farming systems by providing alternative crop rotations and additional income opportunities for growers. While large-scale commercial uptake remains limited, the project established a strong foundational knowledge base for future research, adoption and expansion of oilseed industries in northern Australia. The work continues to support ongoing investigation into profitable oilseed production systems, biofuel opportunities and integrated cropping models suited to tropical and subtropical northern environments.
Developing a broadacre cropping sector in northern Queensland
This project supported the development of broadacre grain cropping systems in the Gulf River catchments of north Queensland by building local agronomic knowledge, grower capability and industry confidence. Working with both existing and emerging grain growers, as well as the agribusiness sector, the project investigated the performance, profitability and production risks associated with dryland and irrigated grain crops in the region. Through field-based research and industry engagement, the project generated valuable insights into crop selection, agronomic management, yield potential, seasonal variability and farm profitability. The work helped equip landholders and investors with the practical knowledge and risk assessment tools needed to integrate grain production into existing extensive grazing enterprises. The project also strengthened regional agronomic capability by improving cropping skills among producers and industry personnel, supporting the long-term development of a diversified and resilient agricultural sector in the Gulf region. The research identified significant economic potential for irrigated grain production, with projected regional GDP benefits of $10–50 million annually and the potential to create substantial new employment opportunities across northern Queensland.