Western Australia Wheat Latest

Significant rains are forecast for Western Australia's wheatlands Thursday/Friday which could go a long way towards making this season's crop.

WA typically accounts for around 40-45% of national production and is a major exporter.

Output in the state this year may match 2003's record 11mmt according to some analysts.

However, temperatures in parts of the region fell to an unusually cold -1 to -3 Monday night. It is not yet clear if any crop damage was caused.

Farmers in the far north of the state are expected to begin harvesting wheat in the next 10-14 days, and last weekends rains plus what is forecast for this week should finish the crop off nicely, a dealer said.