- Author Tom Ryan, Northern Territory Farmers Association
- Publish date 31 December 2022
- Type Report
- Documents
- Broadacre cropping
- Agriculture
Summary
This practical grower manual provides guidance for establishing and managing broadacre cropping enterprises across northern Australia, with a particular focus on cotton and rotational cropping opportunities. Drawing on industry experience, agronomic research and field trials, it brings together information to support growers in assessing cropping opportunities, managing production risks and making informed farming decisions. Developed by NT Farmers with support from the CRCNA and Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC), the manual provides a valuable technical resource for new and established growers contributing to the development of northern Australia’s broadacre cropping industry.
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.
Northern Australian broadacre cropping situational analysis
The Northern Australia Broadacre Cropping Situational Analysis examined the opportunities and constraints shaping the future development of broadacre cropping across northern Australia. The project explored how cropping systems could complement existing agricultural enterprises, particularly beef production, while identifying the environmental, economic and supply chain factors influencing industry growth. The analysis highlighted the importance of regionally tailored approaches to cropping development, recognising the diversity of soils, climate conditions and infrastructure across northern Australia. It identified key challenges including limited agronomic capacity, high research and logistics costs, fragmented supply chains and the need for stronger industry coordination. The project established a strategic framework for future research, development and investment, helping guide CRCNA priorities and supporting a more coordinated, evidence-based approach to building sustainable broadacre cropping industries across WA, NT and Queensland. Grains Central article: Northern Australia broadacre cropping potential tied to enterprise integration. 27 August 2020. https://www.graincentral.com/cropping/northern-australia-broadacre-cropping-potential-tied-to-enterprise-integration/https://www.graincentral.com/cropping/northern-australia-broadacre-cropping-potential-tied-to-enterprise-integration/