Australia Planting Conditions: QLD Records High Soil Moisture, Dryness in SA & VIC
The 2025 planting season begins with a mixed soil moisture profile across Australia, with clear regional contrasts between eastern, western, and southern states. Queensland has recorded significantly above-median levels in early April, South Australia and Victoria continue to face dry conditions, with both topsoil and subsoil moisture tracking below the median.
While the six-month precipitation outlook supports higher-than-median yield potential at the national level, particularly in New South Wales and Queensland, soil moisture remains a key determinant of planting conditions.
New South Wales
Soil moisture conditions across New South Wales have improved from March to April 2025, particularly for wheat and barley. Wheat saw the largest gain, rising from 103% to 127% of the median.
Queensland
Soil moisture conditions in Queensland have improved significantly heading into April 2025 with soil moisture levels in wheat-growing regions soaring from 115% to 200% of the median, and barley from 111% to 192% of the median. Notably, Queensland ranks 7th highest in soil moisture levels over the past 25 years for April records.
South Australia
South Australia is entering the 2025 planting season with the lowest soil moisture levels in the country. Across wheat, barley, and canola, soil moisture levels have declined from March to April. Based on historical records, South Australia’s current soil moisture levels rank as the lowest in the past 25 years for this time of the season.
Victoria
Victoria has recorded a clear decline in soil moisture levels from March to April 2025 across all major crops, with wheat, barley, and canola all falling below median levels. Based on historical comparisons, Victoria’s current soil moisture ranks 20th for barley and 22nd for canola out of the past 25 years, indicating a notably dry start to the season.
Western Australia
Soil moisture conditions in Western Australia have improved across all major crops from March to April 2025. Wheat, barley, and canola now show above-median levels, reflecting a positive shift ahead of the planting season.
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