What is the Wheatbelt in Western Australia?
The Wheatbelt is a large farming region of Western Australia stretching inland from north of Perth to the southern coast. It produces much of the state's wheat, barley, canola and other broadacre crops.
The region covers an area roughly the size of England and was largely cleared for farming during the late 1800s and 1900s. Today it is dotted with towns such as Northam, Merredin, Narrogin and Moora.
Western Australia is one of the country's largest grain producers, and most of its crop is exported through ports such as Kwinana, Geraldton, Albany and Esperance. Grain is stored in huge bins and silos before being railed or trucked to port.
Salt and land care
The widespread clearing of native vegetation caused rising water tables, bringing salt to the surface. Dryland salinity has damaged large areas of farmland and lakes in the region.
Farmers and land care groups have planted trees and deep-rooted plants, and changed farming practices, to manage the problem. Many farms now use no-till methods that help retain soil moisture.
The Wheatbelt is also home to unique sights such as Wave Rock near Hyden, a granite cliff shaped like a breaking wave, and spring wildflowers that attract visitors from around the world.
Did You Know?
Some Wheatbelt silos have been decorated with giant murals as part of public art trails.