Agriculture

Agriculture is a very important part of both Gunnedah's economy and community. Approximately 403,000 hectares of farming country provides an annual income approaching $125 million.

Both family and corporate farming groups produce summer and winter crops including wheat, sorghum, barley, cotton, sunflowers, soya beans and vegetables.

Cotton, a member of the hibiscus family, is an important agricultural commodity grown in the region. The quality of the cotton grown is equivalent to the best in the world, and this industry injects over $35 million into the local economy. The cotton growing season is from October to March. It is best appreciated prior to harvest between February and April.

Wheat is the most widely grown crop in the district. Prime hard bread wheats and Durum varieties for pasta production are both consistent high income earners.

The fertile soils of the region support a vast livestock industry.  Cattle, sheep and pigs from Gunnedah are renowned for their high quality and are exported all over the world.

Gunnedah's livestock selling centre is one of the largest in the state. In 2006-2007, the Gunnedah Saleyards sold 146,510 beef cattle and turned over a massive $91 million. Visitors are welcome to attend the sales held every Tuesday. Absorb the atmosphere as the air buzzes with the auctioneer's call. The Gunnedah saleyards are located on the outskirts of town on the Narrabri Road. Gunnedah Town Map ref - F3.

CROPPING TIMETABLE CROP SOWN HARVEST WHEAT May to June November to December BARLEY May to June November OATS February to March  November  SORGHUM November March to April COTTON October to November April SUNFLOWERS Aug/Sep, Dec/Jan Dec/Jan, April/May