Navigating cropping decisions in a risky climate
An interactive online workshop brought together leading agronomy and risk experts to explore cropping and sowing decisions in a highly variable climate. The panel discussed early sowing tactics, managing false breaks, crop and paddock prioritisation, and how to balance input costs with potential returns under uncertain seasonal conditions.
Farmers across Australia are facing increasingly complex cropping decisions as climate variability continues to challenge traditional sowing practices. To support growers in navigating these uncertainties, an interactive online workshop brought together leading agronomic and risk management experts to discuss strategies for making informed cropping decisions in a risky climate.
The one-hour Zoom panel session was held on Thursday 9 April 2026, from 1pm to 2pm, and focused on practical decision-making in the lead-up to the sowing season, particularly under dry and uncertain seasonal conditions.
Expert Insights from Across the Industry
The workshop featured a strong panel of experienced speakers from consulting, research and regional advisory backgrounds:
- Barry Mudge, Barry Mudge Consulting
- Peter Hayman, Deputy Director, SA Drought Hub
- Stefan Schmitt, Agricultural Consulting and Research
- Sam Trengove, Trengove Consulting
The session was facilitated by Belinda Cay from AgCommunicators, guiding discussion and encouraging interaction between panellists and participants.
Key Questions for the 2026 Sowing Season
The panel addressed a range of pressing seasonal questions currently facing grain growers, with a strong emphasis on managing risk under limited early rainfall scenarios.
Discussion topics included:
- Tactics for early sowing decisions, particularly when rainfall is scarce from now through to the end of May
- Avoiding a false break, and what indicators growers should be assessing early to minimise risk
- Paddock prioritisation, including which paddocks to seed first and how crop choice influences that decision
- Time of sowing considerations, balancing yield potential, frost risk and moisture availability
- Input prioritisation, and how to make strategic decisions around fertiliser, seed and other costs in an uncertain season
- Crop selection for risk management, weighing lower-input crops against higher-return options, and understanding what drives those choices