Introduction
Australia is one of the leading barley producers in the Southern Hemisphere, with its barley industry playing a significant role in both domestic markets and global trade. The country’s diverse climate and vast agricultural land make it an ideal location for large-scale barley farming. Barley is a versatile crop in Australia, used for malting (primarily for the brewing industry), animal feed, and food production.
Australia is also a major exporter of barley, with key markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. In this report, we will explore the top 10 barley-producing companies in Australia, highlighting their roles in barley farming, processing, and trade, as well as their contributions to the local and international barley supply chain.
1. CBH Group
CBH Group is Australia’s largest agribusiness cooperative and the biggest player in barley production in Western Australia. The company focuses on barley production for both malting and animal feed, serving both domestic and international markets. CBH operates a large grain handling network and is a major exporter of Australian barley to countries such as China and Japan.
Key Facts:
- Largest barley producer in Australia, based in Western Australia
- Focus on malting barley and animal feed production
- Major barley exporter to international markets, including Asia and Europe
2. GrainCorp Limited
GrainCorp is one of the leading agricultural companies in Australia, with a strong presence in barley farming and processing. The company focuses on barley for both malting and animal feed. GrainCorp operates across multiple Australian states, including New South Wales and Queensland, and is a significant exporter of barley to international markets, particularly in Asia.
Key Facts:
- Focus on barley production for malting and animal feed
- Operates across multiple Australian states, including New South Wales and Queensland
- Significant barley exporter to Asian markets
3. Viterra Australia
Viterra is a global agricultural company with a strong presence in Australia, particularly in barley farming and grain handling. The company produces large quantities of barley for malting and animal feed, sourcing from farmers across key agricultural regions such as South Australia and Victoria. Viterra plays a significant role in the export of Australian barley, particularly to countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Key Facts:
- Major producer and handler of barley in Australia
- Focus on malting barley and animal feed production
- Strong presence in South Australia and Victoria
4. AusBulk Limited
AusBulk is a leading Australian agribusiness involved in barley production, primarily focusing on malting barley for the brewing industry. The company sources barley from farmers in key agricultural regions such as the Riverina region in New South Wales and parts of South Australia. AusBulk is a key exporter of barley to international brewing markets.
Key Facts:
- Focus on malting barley for the brewing industry
- Sourcing barley from key regions like Riverina and South Australia
- Strong barley export presence in global brewing markets
5. Australian Agricultural Company (AACo)
AACo is Australia’s largest integrated beef producer, but it also plays an important role in barley production. The company grows barley primarily for animal feed to support its beef operations. AACo has farming operations across Queensland, Northern Territory, and New South Wales, and it produces barley that supports both its livestock and regional farming sectors.
Key Facts:
- Focus on barley for animal feed production
- Barley used to support beef farming operations
- Farms across Queensland, Northern Territory, and New South Wales
6. The Land Mark Group
The Land Mark Group is an Australian agricultural company that produces barley for malting and animal feed. Based in regional Australia, the company focuses on providing high-quality barley to local and international markets. The Land Mark Group is involved in both farming and processing, playing a key role in supplying barley to Australia’s growing brewing industry.
Key Facts:
- Produces barley for both malting and animal feed
- Focus on high-quality barley production for local and international markets
- Plays a key role in supplying barley to the Australian brewing industry
7. Norco Co-operative Limited
Norco is an agricultural cooperative with a strong presence in Australia’s barley industry. While the company is primarily known for its dairy operations, Norco also produces barley for animal feed and malting purposes. The company operates primarily in Queensland and New South Wales, supplying barley to the livestock and brewing sectors.
Key Facts:
- Focuses on barley production for animal feed and malting
- Operates in Queensland and New South Wales
- Supports Australia’s livestock and brewing sectors
8. T&G Global (Australia)
T&G Global is an international company with strong operations in the Australian agricultural sector, including barley production. The company focuses on barley for both malting and animal feed, with a strong presence in Southern Australia. T&G Global sources barley from local farmers to support both domestic demand and exports to international markets.
Key Facts:
- Focus on barley for malting and animal feed production
- Operates in Southern Australia, supporting local barley farmers
- Key exporter of Australian barley
9. Farmers Business Network (FBN) Australia
Farmers Business Network is a leading agricultural company that connects farmers across Australia and helps improve barley farming practices. Through its network, FBN supports farmers in producing high-quality barley, focusing on improving yields and sustainability. FBN also plays an essential role in connecting farmers to markets, enhancing barley production and sales.
Key Facts:
- Focuses on improving barley farming practices and yields
- Connects Australian farmers to barley markets
- Supports sustainability in barley production
10. SAB Brewing Group (Australia)
SAB Brewing Group, part of the global Anheuser-Busch InBev, is one of Australia’s major players in the barley market. The company grows barley primarily for malting purposes to supply its breweries across Australia. SAB is a key producer of malting barley, sourcing from regions such as Victoria and New South Wales, and plays an integral role in the Australian barley market.
Key Facts:
- Major producer of malting barley for brewing
- Strong presence in barley production for Australian breweries
- Sourcing barley from regions like Victoria and New South Wales
Conclusion
Australia is a key global player in barley production, with numerous companies contributing to the country’s barley supply chain. From large agribusinesses like CBH Group and GrainCorp to specialized companies like SAB Brewing Group, these companies ensure that Australia maintains its position as a top barley producer and exporter. Their contributions are vital in supporting Australia’s brewing industry, livestock feed markets, and global barley trade.