Australia
August 13, 2007
Source:
Australian Oilseeds
Federation
 Canola
estimates are unchanged from last month. While crops are
generally looking reasonable to excellent, a favourable spring
will be important to secure yields and provide any upside.
In the north and central regions of New South Wales crops
are tracking on average, but will need good rain shortly to
maintain this. Crop development is variable and crops have been
sown on low sub soil moisture. In the south, crops are average
to excellent. Growth has been slow due to the cold conditions.
Early sown crops are faring the best, with crops ranging from
6-8 leaf stage through to early flowering. Across the state,
crops lack subsoil moisture and will need good spring rain and
favourable temperatures to secure current yield estimates or
better. Insects and weeds have not been a problem. There has
been some top dressing occurring. Overall, estimates have been
left unchanged, but conditions through August/September will be
critical.
Crops in the Mallee region of Victoria are 2-3 weeks
earlier than usual and are starting to flower. In the Wimmera,
early sown crops look good, with crops ranging in development.
Some are at full groundcover. Crops in the Western District look
good and most crops range between 4-6 leaf stage to a couple of
weeks off running up. Crops in the north central region are
excellent with very good yield prospects if spring rainfall is
decile 5 or above. Most crops are at early bud formation, but
range from 4-6 leaf stage to 5% flowering. Nutrition is
generally good, although top dressing has occurred or is
required in most regions. Overall Victoria has had ideal start,
however, crops will need moisture going forward and a good
spring will see the potential for above average yields.
Similar comments to New South
Wales and Victoria apply to South Australia i.e. the crops
currently look good, but following a dry July, further rain is
needed to realise the crop’s potential. With favourable spring
conditions, there is some upside for production in SA. Crops in
the Mid North and South East are looking good. Crops in the
lower rainfall areas need rain to give them a boost. Crop
development is variable. Overall estimates have been left
unchanged.
Rainfall for July has been near average in Western Australia
except for Esperance and the North West, where it has been a
less than average. Temperatures have been slightly above
average, however along with regular rainfall, there have been
reasonable growing conditions across most of the state. Crop
development stages are varied, with some crops flowering in
southern parts of the Albany zone, and Eastern wheatbelt, while
others are still yet to run up in other areas. There are few
major crop disease or pest issues at this point in time although
Aphids in spring are a potential concern in the Esperance
district. The WA crop has been revised down slightly to 475,000
tonnes, with area remaining unchanged from last month.
Virtual canola site -
http://www.australianoilseeds.com/agronomy_centre/the_virtual_canola_crop
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