Australia
May 14, 2007
Source:
Australian Oilseeds
Federation
Canola 2007/08
The timely break has seen the
canola outlook improve, with estimates for area planted up 6%
and overall production up 10% on last month.
 NSW
has seen a good autumn break with 12–70mm recorded, although it
has not been general across the state. The central west fared
the worst, as did the lower south west region. Planting is well
underway, although there are no real sub soil moisture reserves
and surface moisture is disappearing fast with temperatures
above average. Most areas will need more rain to continue
planting.
There has been a great start to
the season across Victoria, with the best autumn break seen for
many years. As a result, optimism is very high for a good
season. Rainfall has been good to very good, ranging around
15-20 mm in the North East through to 100 mm in the southern
Wimmera. Planting is well underway in most areas, though
moisture, like NSW, is disappearing. Insect pressure,
particularly lucerne flea, is expected to be high. Early weed
control will be paramount this year.
Good rainfall across South
Australia in late April has seen an increase in hectares.
Rainfall has ranged from 15-20 mm in the South East through to
more than 100 mm in the Mid North. Planting is underway,
although soils are drying quickly. Further rain is forecast for
both Victoria and SA mid next week.
Good rainfall occurred across
Western Australia in April varying from 25 to 100mm, with the
south and coastal districts receiving the higher amounts. This
has seen an increase in expected plantings. The South Coast
region is about 80% planted, with average to above average
yields possible and planted area up 10 to 15% on last
season. The Central region is about 50% seeded, with a 10%
increase in area expected. The North has not yet had enough
rain, however, some dry sowing is occurring. Final estimates for
planted area will depend on rain in central and northern
regions. Insect resistance issues are causing concern
particularly red legged earth mite. There is also expectation of
higher than normal blackleg pressure.
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Soybeans 2006/07
 Estimates
for the soybean crop have been revised down by just over 10%,
reflecting the continuing dry conditions and lack of irrigation
water.
The Queensland northern and coastal crop is pretty much
unchanged from last month, with forecast yields revised up for
Central Queensland (CQ). Harvest is 90% complete on the coast,
but still a week or so away from starting in CQ. However, inland
areas have not fared as well and yields have been revised down
in all areas. Overall, production is forecast at 13% below last
month. Quality (protein) of the beans from coastal areas has
been very good, although in some areas late moisture stress has
resulted in some small seed.
Yields have been revised down
slightly in the north coast region of NSW. While there have been
some very good crops, yields have been variable and protein has
been a concern in some crops. Harvest is about 80% complete. The
inland areas continue to suffer from lack of water and both area
and yield for the dryland crop have been revised down slightly.
The small crop in the Riverina performed well above expectation
with an average yield of just under 4 t/ha. There were some
excellent crops, yielding up to 4.7 t/ha.
Sunflowers 2006/07
 Sunflower
estimates have also been revised down slightly. The crop is
forecast to finish at 70% mono, 10% poly and 20% confectionary/
birdseed.
Crops in Central Queensland are struggling, with lack of rain
and there has been some incidence of tobacco streak virus. Yield
potential has been revised down.
The late planted crop in NSW is
rapidly approaching maturity and has had the benefit of rain
during the last few days of April. Temperatures have, been
unseasonably warm assisting the very late sown crops to avoid
any frost damage issues. Late infections of powdery mildew have
been a concern for several crops. Yield potential has remained
high (1.8-2.0t/ha) in crops on the Liverpool Plains as most have
had the benefit of centre pivot irrigation. Dry down to harvest
moisture is likely to be a slower process from this point in the
season as temperatures cool down.
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