Source: GRDC

Timely rainfall and mild spring temperatures have combined to produce a remarkable recovery in the 2005-06 winter crop, according to ABARE's November issue of the Australian Crop Report, released recently by ABARE Executive Director, Dr Brian Fisher.

“Despite late plantings of many crops, the seasonal conditions that have prevailed since June have provided an ideal finish to crops in many regions”, he said.

Total Australian winter crop production is forecast to reach 37.8 million tonnes in 2005-06, up 20 per cent on 2004-05.

Winter crop production is forecast to increase in all states: WA (20 per cent); New South Wales (4 per cent); Victoria (38 per cent); SA (35 per cent); and Queensland (14 per cent).

However, GRDC Western Panel Chairman and Hyden grower, Dale Baker believes the CBH grain estimate of 12.8 million tonnes now, unfortunately, looks too high.

“Like most frost years, growers have underestimated the damage,” Mr Baker said.

Australia
November 29, 2005

Favorable weather boosts crop outlook

Source: ABARE Economics

Timely rainfall and mild spring temperatures have combined to produce a remarkable recovery in the 2005-06 winter crop, according to the November issue of ABARE’s Australian Crop Report.

The report was released today by ABARE’s Executive Director, Dr Brian Fisher.

‘Despite the lateness of planting of many crops, the seasonal conditions that have prevailed since June have provided an ideal finish to crops in many regions’, Dr Fisher said. Total winter crop production is forecast to reach 37.8 million tonnes in 2005-06, an increase of 20 per cent when compared with 2004-05.

Winter crop production is forecast to increase in all states: New South Wales (4 per cent); Victoria (38 per cent); South Australia (35 per cent); Western Australia (20 per cent); and Queensland (14 per cent).

‘The most significant improvement in ABARE’s forecast has been in New South Wales, where winter crop production is now forecast to increase by 4 per cent to 9.54 million tonnes’, Dr Fisher noted.

Of the major winter grains, Australian wheat production in 2005-06 is forecast to reach 24.1 million tonnes, compared with 20.4 million tonnes in 2004-05. Barley production is forecast to be 8.4 million tonnes in 2005-06, 31 per cent higher than in 2004-05. However, canola production in 2005-06 is forecast to be 1.3 million tonnes, 12 per cent lower than in 2004-05.

‘The above average spring rainfall in the summer grain growing regions has replenished soil moisture profiles and increased water storage levels. Assuming continued favorable conditions, summer crop production is forecast to increase by 24 per cent, to 4.4 million tonnes in 2005-06,’ Dr Fisher explained.

The area planted to rice is expected to more than double this season as a result of increased water availability. Rice production is forecast to reach 924 000 tonnes, an increase of 580 000 tonnes from the previous season. The outlook for cotton producing states is varied, with New South Wales area forecast to increase by over 30 per cent and Queensland plantings forecast to decline by 40 per cent, resulting in a 4 per cent reduction in overall area sown.

Crop report in PDF format: http://www.abareconomics.com/Crop_rep_site/pdf/CropReport_Nov05.pdf