Australia
June 17, 2008
While conditions across the
Australian grains belt have been variable, there is optimism
regarding winter grains production in 2008-09, as a result of a
forecast increase in the area planted, according to
ABARE’s June issue of the
Australian Crop Report.
“Although substantial areas have been dry sown, the recent
rainfall across eastern states has provided the moisture to
assist growers to complete intended cropping programs,” said Ms
Karen Schneider, acting Executive Director, ABARE on releasing
the report.
“However, rainfall during the growing season will be critical to
these production forecasts being realised,” Ms Schneider
cautioned.
The total area sown to winter crops in Australia is forecast to
increase by 9 per cent to 22.3 million hectares in 2008-09.
Assuming an improvement in yields, winter crop production is
forecast to be around 37 million tonnes in 2008-09, 15 million
tonnes above the drought affected harvest of the previous year.
The area planted to wheat is forecast to rise by 13 per cent to
a record 14 million hectares. Total wheat production is forecast
to be around 23.7 million tonnes in 2008-09, well above the
previous year’s harvest of around 13 million tonnes.
Ms Schneider noted that the area planted to barley and canola
was also forecast to increase in 2008-09 by 2 per cent and 16
per cent respectively. Production of barley is forecast to
increase to around 8 million tonnes and canola to around 1.7
million tonnes.
Total summer crop production in 2007-08 is estimated at 3.5
million tonnes, nearly 60 per cent above the 2006-07 drought
affected harvest.
“Grain sorghum yields were well above average as a result of
good summer rainfall, and production is estimated at a record
2.7 million tonnes in 2007-08,” Ms Schneider said.
June issue of the Australian Crop
Report:
www.abareconomics.com/publications_html/cr/cr_08/cr08_June.pdf
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