Australia
July 13, 2007
Source:
Australian Oilseeds
Federation
 Favourable
conditions on the east coast have lifted canola estimates. It is
now estimated that there is just over one million hectares
planted to produce 1.67 million tonnes.
While rainfall and sub soil
moisture is variable across New South Wales, there has
been some increase in area
planted in the central and southern areas. Across the state,
good rain in late winter/spring will be needed to
realise the crop’s potential. Crops in the North and Central
regions are generally at full ground cover, with some more
advanced. In the South, crops are in the 4-6 leaf stage through
to full ground cover. There is some weed pressure, however,
insects appear to be under control. Overall, area has been
increased to 240,000 hectares and yields revised upwards
slightly.
The season in Victoria
opened with near ideal conditions and while June was cold and
dry, good widespread rainfall in early July has seen excellent
conditions return. Crops look good across the state and are at
full ground cover. There have been some bullish predictions for
broadacre crop production across Victoria, with yields for
cereal crops generally estimated to be above average. There have
also been estimates of significant increases in canola area, due
in large part, to a switch from livestock to cropping. Our
estimates have been lifted to 270,000 hectares and the average
yield for the State reduced slightly reflecting a shift in
relative plantings across the various regions.
Conditions in South Australia
have mirrored those in Victoria with a good start, poorer June,
but good rainfall in
early July. The South East may be a little wet, but generally
conditions are excellent across the state. Estimates have been
left unchanged.
In Western Australia, the
Geraldton region is struggling as it was last season, with
little canola production forecast due to a limited break to the
season and continued dry weather. More recently, dust and wind
storms have damaged emerged lupin and canola crops. The Central
region zone is variable and forecasts for planted area have been
reduced due to drier earlier conditions resulting in it being
too late for canola in some areas by the time rain arrived.
Generally crop conditions and yield forecasts are good. In the
South, area has increased on last year, with canola yields
forecast to improve after recent widespread rainfall of up to
40mm in some areas. There has been some patchy emergence and
also some insect activity, but generally all looks good. Spring
conditions in the areas east and south of Perth will now have
the most impact on the WA final yield.
Visit the virtual canola site is
now live at
www.australianoilseeds.com/agronomy_centre/the_virtual_canola_site |
