Australian Oilseeds Federation - Canola Crop Report 2004/05

Weather takes it toll on the canola crop, with production estimates down 16%.

Despite a general rain event in late September across much of New South Wales (NSW), the onset of high temperatures and heavy insect pressure have drooped production potential by 58,500 tonnes to 393,000 tonnes during the past month. The combination of low subsoil moisture levels and the crops being 2-3 weeks later than normal has increased the severity of the impact following the abnormally hot spring conditions. Crops in the central and south west have been hit hardest by the hot weather while the more advanced crops in the north of the states have faired better. In the driest areas in the south west, some farmer have already fed some canola crops to sheep. Windrowing has commenced in northern NSW and harvest will commence in the next 10 days.

Above average temperatures and hot winds in the last week in the Wimmera, Mallee and North East has also taken toll on Victorian canola production. There were widespread reports of canola crops aborting flowering and thereby limiting pod set after the hot weather. In the Wimmera and North East of the state canola yield potential is forecast to drop by 30% and total state production is down by 105,000 tonnes to 255,000 tonnes.

Prevailing winds and hot temperatures from central Australia also hit South Australian canola crops. Areas, such as the Eyre Peninsula, Mid North and Mallee, with had limited soil moisture reserves were hardest hit as temperatures exceeded 40 deg in some areas in the early part of this week. The South East of the state faired better as they escaped the brunt of the higher temperatures. Canola production in South Australia has been dropped by 45,000 tonnes to 225,000 tonnes.

Rains in the past 10 days in the Geraldton region of Western Australia have secured canola crops and ensure reasonable quality. Canola attributed to the Albany and Kwinana ports is drying off and looking for rain within the next 10 days to maintain yield potential. Crops in the Esperance regions have been losing yield because of dry conditions and rain is required to stop further yield losses. Western Australian canola production has been reduced by 40,500 tonnes to 468,000 tonnes.

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