# Australian canola production and research

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/australian-canola-production-and-research
> Updated: 2026-08-13T20:00:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Agricultural developments in Australia regarding canola production involve both genetic research and changes in planting strategies. Researchers, led by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), are conducting genetic studies to develop canola varieties with enhanced frost resistance to protect yields in frost-prone regions.

Simultaneously, growers are shifting cultivation patterns to maximize margins. Data from Digital Agriculture Services (DAS) indicates a record 2.1 per cent of canola is being planted on canola, covering roughly 92,000 hectares. While total canola area fell by 6 per cent to 3.5 million hectares due to dry conditions in New South Wales, plantings increased in South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia. Western Australia is the primary driver of the repeat planting trend, accounting for 78 per cent of the nation’s canola-on-canola rotations.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-13: Australian canola growers adopt record rotations for higher margins

Australian canola growers are hitting record levels of canola-on-canola rotations to seek higher margins, particularly in Western Australia, despite increased risks of fungal disease.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australian-canola-growers-adopt-record-rotations-for-higher-margins

### 2026-08-11: Australian researchers target frost resistance in canola crops

Australian researchers are working to develop frost-resistant canola varieties and optimize sowing windows to protect the multi-billion dollar crop industry from yield losses.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australian-researchers-target-frost-resistance-in-canola-crops

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Cite as: Australian canola production and research. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/australian-canola-production-and-research