A survey conducted by Grain Producers SA (GPSA) has highlighted concerns from respondents, with supply pressures the prevalent concern.
The survey received 784 responses, further highlighting the challenging period facing producers battling rising input costs, namely for diesel and fertiliser.
The majority of responders reported concerns surrounding supply and price of fertiliser, with 64 per cent of growers facing serious supply pressures heading into seeding and 92 per cent reporting some level of concern, as 46 per cent said they were very concerned about supply with 18 per cent already experiencing difficulty securing fertiliser.
Fertiliser pricing was identified as elevated as 23 per cent of growers reported prices were unsustainable for their business, with 87 per cent of grain producers paying more than last year.
Diesel stocks were an issue for many growers, the survey outlining 39 per cent of respondents holding less than 10,000 litres, and 43 per cent holding 10,000 to 25,000 litres, meaning 82 per cent of growers will be reliant on frequent deliveries during peak periods.
Forty-eight per cent reported significant concern due to panic buying and 32 per cent said supply is becoming difficult to secure, while more than 80 per cent of growers are experiencing supply issues, and virtually no growers reported normal conditions.
Thirty-three per cent of growers are holding only one to two weeks’ of diesel and 16 per cent are holding around one week or less, meaning more than half of grain producers surveyed would run out of fuel within two weeks if supply was disrupted.
Diesel delivery disruptions were reported as already occurring, with 43 per cent experiencing delayed deliveries, 11 per cent reduced orders and 7 per cent cancelled orders, meaning more than 60 per cent of growers had already experienced some form of supply disruption.
GPSA chief executive officer Brad Perry said the results reflect growing anxiety across the industry as fertiliser and fuel pressures intensify.
“These results show just how exposed grain producers are heading into seeding, with limited diesel storage capacity and ongoing uncertainty around both supply and price of fertiliser and fuel,” he said.
“We welcome the federal government’s fuel initiatives as an attempt to provide relief, but for grain producers the reality is the fuel excise changes don’t deliver a net benefit.
“Grain producers claim back fuel excise through Fuel Tax Credits, so while there may be a short-term reduction at the pump, that is offset by a reduced rebate. In simple terms, it’s largely a cashflow timing difference rather than real savings.
“At a time when growers are heading into peak diesel use for seeding, cashflow does matter but it doesn’t change the underlying cost of production.”
The federal government last week announced the establishment of a national fertiliser taskforce, a commitment to fertiliser underwriting, and a deferral of export cost recovery charges, aimed at easing pressure on producers.
Mr Perry said GPSA welcomed these announcements as a first step, but the reality was many South Australian grain producers had already made their fertiliser decisions with seeding imminent.
“For growers, these decisions are largely locked in. It’s no longer about ideal agronomy; it’s about what product they’ve been able to secure and what they can afford,” he said.
Mr Perry said GPSA had moved early to address the issue at a state level, successfully seeking the establishment of a fertiliser taskforce through the state government more than a week ago, which has already met twice.
Despite this, Mr Perry said significant concerns remained around transparency, pricing and supply, particularly for key inputs.
“Grain producers are telling us they still don’t have clear visibility on fertiliser deliveries, stock levels or how pricing is being set, and that uncertainty is making decision-making incredibly difficult on farm,” he said.
“Access to fertiliser, particularly urea, is absolutely critical. If growers can’t access it when they need it, or it’s priced out of reach, there will be a direct impact on yield potential and overall production.”
The survey was conducted from 11 to 30 March 2026 and results will be provided to the state and federal governments.
