01/09/2026
🌾 GRAINWISE | AUGUST MONTH IN REVIEW 🌾
August delivered plenty for grain markets to digest, with global volatility, shifting harvest expectations and strong regional buyer competition creating opportunities across the East Coast.
🌎 Global markets remained volatile
US wheat spent much of the month under pressure before showing some stronger rallies later in August. Large global wheat supplies — particularly growing Russian production estimates — remained a headwind, while changing US crop expectations helped drive volatility across wheat, corn and soybeans.
🇦🇺 The Aussie dollar stayed firm
The A$ traded around the US70–72¢ range through much of the month, limiting some of the benefit Australian growers would otherwise have received from offshore market rallies.
🌾 Wheat opportunities were highly regional
Domestic wheat values didn't always follow offshore futures, with local supply, freight and buyer demand continuing to drive the best opportunities. Comparing destinations remained critical, particularly across Southern NSW and Victoria.
🌱 New-crop demand started to build
Buyer interest increased across a range of commodities and delivery periods, extending from nearby requirements right through harvest and into early 2027.
🍺 Barley demand was a standout
Strong nearby and forward demand created some attractive opportunities, with Melbourne packers and Southern NSW feedlots competing for tonnes at various points during the month.
🤝 Growers took advantage
Trading activity picked up when markets presented value, with growers locking in both current and new-crop wheat, barley and canola across a wide range of delivery periods.
The key takeaway from August?
Headline markets only told part of the story. Regional demand, freight and delivery flexibility continued to create opportunities — making it worthwhile to compare your options before committing tonnes.
🌾 Grainwise — Know Your Options