Australia
January 09
Source:
Australian Oilseeds
Federation (AOF)
Canola 2008/09
 The
canola crop has finished up on last month's estimates. This is
largely due to better than forecast estimates for WA due to an
excellent finish, but also an improved position for NSW and
Victoria where impacts of the frost damage were not as bad as
expected and good yields in higher rainfall areas.
Harvest in NSW has finished with a somewhat better
position than earlier forecast. The dry spring and finish to the
crop has impacted yields and quality in all regions, but in
particular the southern and central regions. The damage from the
late frosts in October and November was not as severe as
expected, particularly in the northern region. There is wide
variation in seed quality, seed size and appearance, with a
number of reports of small, pinched grain. Grain fill was poor
in many areas. Oil contents have been disappointing, with the
state average around 36‐38%. Overall, production for the State
has been revised up slightly on last month due to the
combination of poorer crops turned off for hay and frost damage
being less than estimated.
As for NSW, the Victorian crop experienced a
disappointing end to the season. With virtually no rainfall and
frosts during the spring finish, yields and quality have been
well below expectations. A number of poorer performing crops
were cut for hay. The Western District has seen better yields
than previously predicted as frost damage was not as severe as
expected. Overall average yield for the state has increased
slightly.
There was big variation in crop quality across South
Australia. Conditions and results were similar to those in
NSW and Victoria, with a disappointing end to the 2008/09
season.
The late rain in the southern zones of Western Australia
has capped an almost perfect growing season. As for eastern
states, the late frosts were not as damaging as first expected.
Generally yields are up across all zones. Seed quality is very
good and oil yields are averaging 43‐44%. The state crop is
expected to pass the 1 million tonnes for a record year.
Sunflower 2008/09
 Prospects
for the sunflower crop have improved due to reasonable yields
predicted for the early planted crops, and an increase in late
planted sunflowers. This has been a result of recent improvement
in prices, due to the declining Australian dollar and strength
in crude oil values. Crops in southern Queensland, northern NSW
and Liverpool Plains are ranging from late grain fill to harvest
commencing. Harvest is expected to commence in early February,
although harvest has commenced on some early plant irrigated
monounsaturated sunflowers in Central Queensland and is also
expected to commence in northern NSW shortly for some of the
early plant crops. Hot, dry conditions have continued in
northern NSW since late December, with only minimal and isolated
storm rainfall events across the area. Minimal pest pressure is
reported. Yield potential is expected to be in the 1.5‐2.5
tonnes/hectare range.
The Liverpool Plains crop has had minimal Rutherglen Bug
pressure, but heliothis incidence has been reasonably high.
Yields in this area are expected to be 1.8 tonnes/ha or higher.
The late plant is essentially sown, with crop stage varying from
just planted to 8‐10 leaf stage. Good subsoil moisture was
available for these crops, but additional in crop rainfall from
budding on will be needed to ensure good yields. |
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