WA’s hopes of delivering a record grain harvest have been shattered following widespread frosts two weeks ago and dry September conditions which mean crops are still waiting for vital finishing rains.

Until 10 days ago, ABARES and the Grain Industry Association of WA were predicting a bumper WA crop of at least 16.3 million tonnes after near perfect conditions and regular rainfall across the Wheatbelt meant crops were thriving.

But in a cruel twist of fate, some commentators predict that mid-September frosts, warm weather and lack of rain have wiped about one million tonnes from that forecast.

GIWA spokesman Michael Lamond said frosts had caused widespread damage, with the most severe impacts around the western areas of the lower Great Southern.

Mr Lamond said barley and canola crops copped the most damage.

Wheat was also affected and some farmers had started cutting the worst-hit areas for hay to salvage some returns.

“The frosts have been bad and will have a huge impact on some farmers,” Mr Lamond said.

“But the lack of rainfall during this vital time when crops need their finishing rains is having an event bigger negative impact, and is also substantially reducing the State’s crop potential.

“We can now be certain the State’s crops won’t yield anywhere near what was originally expected.”

Bruce Rock farmer Leigh Strange said frost damage on his property ranged from severe to “not too bad”.

Mr Strange said some of his wheat crops had lost about 80 per cent of their grain. Hay-cutting had started on about 140ha of the worst affected area, with an assessment to be made later on cutting further frosted wheat for hay.

“The impact of these frosts has been compounded by a dry, warm finish. It’s a real double whammy, particularly as our crops were previously looking so good,” he said.

Mr Lamond said farmers were desperately hoping rain forecast for early next week would arrive, helping to minimise the lost potential across the State’s 8.2 million hectares of plantings.

“If that rain happens, it will certainly be beneficial and farmers desperately need it now as there is very little sub-soil moisture,” he said.

“But it will still be very late, while certainly needed and helpful. Every day we go without rain until then means more lost potential.”

Mr Lamond said if there was no rain within the next 10 days, it would be too late because crops need it before ripening, causing further losses.

He said the change in the season’s fortunes was particularly painful for farmers given the good conditions until recently prompted them to invest heavily in inputs like fertiliser.