In the heart of Australia, amidst a landscape of red dirt and towering termite mounds, the cultivation of barley is a rarity. Yet, at Athelle Outback Hideaway, a sprawling 2,100-hectare property located approximately 140 kilometers north of Alice Springs, Anthony and Danyelle Haigh have defied the odds. The couple, known for their appearances on television shows like Outback Truckers and Outback Farm, have successfully harvested 34 hectares of barley, a feat largely unheard of in this arid region.
Previously, the Haighs have cultivated Rhodes grass, lucerne, and oats for hay on 300 hectares of their property. Their innovative use of groundwater for irrigation supports their crops and supplies local cattle producers and pastoralists with essential hay. Central Australia’s few cropping enterprises are spread over vast distances, relying heavily on groundwater in an otherwise desolate environment.
Breaking New Ground with Barley
Barley, Australia’s second-largest crop by volume and third by value, is typically grown in regions with more reliable rainfall and cooler temperatures, such as the east coast and southwest Western Australia. However, the Haighs’ decision to introduce barley to Central Australia was driven by the crop’s resilience to extreme heat.
Anthony Haigh explained that their initial plan was to plant oats, but delays led them to choose barley, which can withstand higher temperatures. “We wanted to put oats into it, but we were a little bit late,” he said. “So we’ve gone with the barley cause it will tolerate a bit more heat towards the end of winter.”
“It’s probably not the best crop of barley, but it’s something we can do with.” – Anthony Haigh
Harvesting Challenges and Market Demand
The mid-October heat accelerated the harvest, resulting in a yield of four tonnes of hay, slightly below their target of five tonnes. Despite this, the barley was in high demand, with buyers eager to secure hay amid drought conditions in southern Australia. The Haighs’ barley was largely sold out before planting, destined for use as cow or horse hay within the Northern Territory.
Anthony Haigh noted the swift sale of their produce: “This barley will be all used for cow hay or horse hay (in the Territory).” The droughts have forced southern farmers to seek fodder as far north as Katherine, underscoring the strategic importance of the Haighs’ operation.
The Business Backbone
While Athelle Outback Hideaway is a diversified enterprise, incorporating tourism and water drilling, cropping remains the financial cornerstone. Danyelle Haigh emphasized the significance of hay production to their business model. “The hay is definitely 90 per cent of our income here at Athelle,” she stated.
The Haighs’ pioneering efforts in barley cultivation highlight both the challenges and opportunities of farming in Central Australia. By leveraging innovative agricultural practices and adapting to environmental constraints, they have carved out a niche in a region where few dare to tread.
Looking ahead, the success of this barley harvest may inspire other farmers in arid regions to experiment with similar crops, potentially transforming the agricultural landscape of Central Australia.
