Canola planting could be back by about 10 per cent in 2026, with prices sitting at about $757 a tonne this week, as the crop remains in the rotation but loses some of the momentum it carried last season.

DLF Seeds agronomist Frank McRae from Orange, NSW, said canola was still in the mix, but growers were becoming more selective.

“Most farmers are OK with it, but anyone cash-strapped might go for a bit more cereal,” he said.

In a year when input costs were sky high he said early reports indicated that overall planting could be down by 10 per cent.

“Some might drop canola and go with more wheat and barley and be a bit safer. Cereals are less risky to put in,” he said.

Mr McRae said after 10 to 12 years of strong rotations, many growers had flexibility to adjust programs and weren’t locked into canola this season.

“If they leave canola out, they will likely plant a cereal instead.

“It is just less cost up front, in what is a really tough year for inputs.”

Input pressure remained a key factor, with urea ranging from about $1300 to $1500 a tonne and diesel pushing towards $3 a litre, increasing the cost of establishing the crop.

An analysis of prices showed the market for canola has eased slightly from last year’s levels.

This time last year, new crop canola was at about $780 a tonne in late March before rising to $818 a tonne.