AGT releases new wheat varieties to strengthen Australia’s export portfolio

Australian Grain Technologies has launched two wheat varieties bred in Western Australia, targeting both local production challenges and the country’s export competitiveness in Asian food markets.

The varieties—AGT-Carnac and AGT-Hamelin—were developed at AGT’s Western Crop Breeding Centre in Northam and introduced during the Liebe Group Spring Field Day on September 11.

AGT-Carnac is positioned as a replacement for Zen in udon wheat production. Classified as Australian Noodle Wheat (ANW), it delivered more than 6% higher yields than Zen in low-yielding environments, according to national variety trial data. The variety also offers yellow spot resistance, improved grain size and higher test weights.

Japan and South Korea are consistent importers of ANW for noodle production, and maintaining quality and reliability in this category has been a strategic priority for Australian breeders. “Growers who’ve relied on Zen for a few years now have a better option,” said Dr. Usman Ijaz, AGT’s udon wheat breeder. “AGT-Carnac performs where some other varieties start to struggle, delivering high relative yields when conditions tighten.”

AGT-Hamelin, classified as Australian Hard (AH), is intended as an alternative to Rockstar, Denison and Catapult. Its mid-slow maturity makes it suitable for both early and main season sowings, a feature that reflects farmers’ need to manage larger cropping programs. The variety offers high test weights, low screenings, sprouting tolerance and broad disease resistance.

Hard wheats form a significant share of Australia’s exports to markets such as Indonesia, where consistent quality is central to flour milling and baking industries. “Farmers are sowing earlier than ever to cover bigger programs,” said Dr. Dion Bennett, AGT’s Northam-based breeder. “Hamelin should give growers confidence because it maintains high yield across a wide range of germination dates, while offering strong disease resistance and grain quality.”

Seed for AGT-Carnac and AGT-Hamelin is now available through AGT Affiliates and local retailers.