Confidence within Australia’s rural property sector is experiencing a notable boost due to a highly successful winter cropping season. According to the 2026 Australian Agriculture Outlook released by Bendigo Bank, expectations for the nation’s winter crop have seen a significant upgrade, with national crop production forecasted to exceed 62.3 million tonnes, marking an increase of 12 percent.
Remarkable Growth in Crop Production
John Hetherington, sales principal at Raine & Horne Great Southern, remarked that the current season is on track to become Australia’s third-largest winter crop on record. This optimistic outlook is particularly driven by a dramatic turnaround in Western Australia, where production expectations have surged by 26 percent since June, adding approximately 5 million tonnes in just six months.
“The old adage that ‘big crops keep getting bigger’ has proved accurate once again in WA this season,” Hetherington stated. “Harvests are delivering consistent positive surprises in both grain yields and receival volumes, which has led to upward revisions in state production forecasts.” The anticipated yield for Western Australia now exceeds 26 million tonnes.
Weather conditions have also played a crucial role. Hetherington noted the gentle end to the winter season allowed crops to thrive, despite some areas facing hailstorms. He reported that corporate bulk handling facilities are filling up faster than usual, with considerable stocks of grain and record yields for crops such as canola and barley. “To illustrate the strength of WA’s cropping markets, we have heard of local farmers purchasing additional headers to manage the harvest,” he added.
Impact on Rural Real Estate Values
The booming grain crop has directly influenced rural real estate in WA, where values have continued to rise, albeit at a steadier pace than in previous years. Hetherington observed that local interest remains robust, particularly among farmers looking to acquire neighboring properties. “We expect this trend to carry through into 2026,” he said.
In terms of notable sales, Raine & Horne Great Southern reported several highlights from 2025. Two local buyers secured a property in Tambellup for an undisclosed price that set a district record. Additionally, local farmers in Quindanning purchased a significant holding in their district, while the 178-hectare Millbrook Road farm in Albany sold for over $3 million towards the year’s end. This property attracted strong local interest and was acquired by nearby cattle graziers.
The ongoing success of the winter cropping season is not only enhancing agricultural productivity but also fostering a positive outlook for the rural property sector in Australia. With forecasts indicating sustained growth in both crop yields and property values, stakeholders in the agricultural landscape are optimistic about the future.
