Australia
April 15, 2008
Source:
Australian Oilseeds
Federation
Sunflowers
2007/08
Sunflower prospects have been revised upwards slightly with good
yields expected from the NSW late crop. There has been no change
to outlook for the Queensland crop.
 In
the Moree region, the late plant is ranging from
flowering to physiological maturity. Most crops are in late
grain fill stages with some about to be desiccated. Rutherglen
bug pressure has been less of an issue for the late plant.
Conditions have remained very dry for the last 7 weeks, reducing
yield potential for dryland crops. Irrigated crops that have
received 1‐2 waterings look reasonable. Average yield potential
is likely to be variable, but should reach around 1.3t/ha.
The late plant on the Liverpool Plains varies from drying
down to just finishing flowering. While dry conditions have
continued most crops are still in very good condition.
Rutherglen bug pressure remains low, but high numbers of
whitefly have been found in most crops. Powdery mildew progress
has been halted by the dry conditions although a number of crops
were sprayed just prior to/ following Easter. Yield potential
for the late plant remains high, with an average of 1.8t/ha
estimated at this stage of crop development and given the number
of crops under irrigation. Rain would still benefit most of the
crop if it occurred in the next fortnight. There was some
concern with a few light frosts around the end of March,
however, no reports of damage have been received.
Crops in the Coonamble region have generally just
finished flowering and appear to still have reasonable subsoil
moisture supporting their yield potential. Rutherglen bug may be
an issue and rain would assist the crop through grain filling in
the next 3 weeks.
Soybeans
2007/08 Soybean
estimates have been revised down by around 10% due to wet
weather and frost. Harvest is just commencing.
 Crops
in north and coastal Queensland are mixed. There are some
very good crops, but others that have been impacted by wet
weather, inoculation problems and disease. Inland crops are
generally looking good.
The NSW north coast has been impacted by continuing rain,
with recent falls of between 60 and 320 mm across the region.
Further wet weather is forecast and the impact on the crop is
uncertain. The next two weeks will be critical for crops and,
while area harvested and yields have been revised down this
month, further revision could occur if the current conditions
continue.
In the north west of NSW, yields have been revised up as crops
benefited from the mild conditions last month.
Conditions on the tablelands have been mixed with some crops
lost to frost, although the remaining crops should yield quite
well. The crops in the Riverina are looking good and are on
track for targeted yields. A late heat spike may have some
effect of seed size, but that is unconfirmed at this stage.
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