June 12, 2008

Australian grain growers face soaring input costs after drought

Australian farmers along the Upper Hunter's grain growing belt have to deal with skyrocketing production costs.

Observers said that diesel, fertiliser and farm chemical prices are continuing to soar, making it difficult for Australian farmers to rebuild from the drought.

James Clark, chairman of the Grains Research and Development Corporation's northern panel, said the cost of planting has doubled in the last two or three years.