The year 2020 has been forgettable for many reasons - from bushfires to COVID-19.
But it is also shaping-up to be completely memorable, as one of the best cropping seasons in recent times.
A major benefit of a big crop is not just the advantages to growers, but also in the export opportunities it presents - and this year is shaping up to be a huge one for brand 'Australia'.
After successive years of below average seasons and strong local prices feeding the domestic market, Australian exports have been quieter than usual.
This has created big opportunities for other origin grains, mostly from the Black Sea, which have been competitive and visible in markets that were considered traditional for Australia.
Argentine wheat has also been a factor in South East Asian markets in recent times.
But all that has changed.
The Black Sea had a smaller crop, by its incredibly voluminous standards, and farmers there have held on to grain more tightly.
Conversely, the Australia crop has been at near-record high levels, and the export supply chain is cranking-up big time.
Pleasingly, we are seeing the return of some traditional customers in East Africa and the Gulf States.
Australia has been a traditional exporter to these regions.
But due to a lack of supply and an Australian wheat price driven by drought, we were out-priced by the Black Sea into these markets - which are increasingly cost conscious.
There is also surging demand for Australian grains coming out of South East Asia.
This is another traditional market for Australia, and is the natural home for our exports - with a distinctive freight advantage.
Relationships with this region have been built-up across decades, and it is pleasing to be able to present so strongly in export markets again after seasons of drought and seeing supply flow from other origins.
There is no doubt that many in these markets will be happy to see improved availability of Australian wheat.
Our wheat is prized for its quality in South East Asia, providing a brighter and creamier flour from which noodles are made.
Red wheats tend to produce a flour and noodle that is more speckled and grey in colour.
Demand for grains in this region is also buoyed by shifting consumption patterns and a growing appetite for protein, with feed grains used to support local pork, poultry and aquaculture industries.
We continue to monitor the situation regarding China, as we view this country as a very important trade partner for Australian grain.
There is also an increase in demand for Australian barley coming out of South East Asia, especially from Vietnam and Thailand.
Japan, too, has returned to take more of its traditional allocation.
Of course, it is no surprise that Saudi Arabia - as the biggest buyer of barley in the world - is a major customer of Australian barley this year, which is well-priced comparative to other feed grains.
Barley exports go into Saudi's significant feed industry.
The strong growing season in Australia will not just be a blessing for our farmers, whose businesses and spirits will be lifted with increased revenue, but it will also be a bonus for brand 'Australia'.
We can once again supply our export customers with the volume and quality of product that they have come to expect from us over the decades.
We need this continuity to keep our export markets and trade relationships strong.
