National summer crop production is forecast to increase by 13 per cent in the 2004-05 season, boosted by above average rainfall in November and December in northern New South Wales and parts of Queensland, the latest Australian Crop Report reveals.

The February issue of the Australian Crop Report was released today by Dr Brian Fisher, Executive Director of ABARE.

‘Improved seasonal conditions and water availability in northern New South Wales and southern Queensland resulted in a substantial increase in the area sown of cotton and sorghum in 2004-05,’ Dr Fisher said.

‘The area planted for cotton is estimated to increase by 59 per cent to around 315 000 hectares and sorghum by nearly 16 per cent to 659 000 hectares.’

‘In southern Queensland, harvesting of early sown sorghum has commenced and yields are expected to reach record levels as growing conditions have been ideal for crop establishment,’ noted Dr Fisher. ‘Later sown crops in Queensland, however, have received little rainfall, which has reduced yield potential in this region,’ Dr Fisher added. Total sorghum production is forecast to increase to 2.1 million tonnes, up 13 per cent on last season, with cotton lint production forecast to increase by 58 per cent to 551 000 tonnes.

Dr Fisher added that the rice crop is estimated to be low this season, with area planted falling to around 50 000 hectares and forecast production to be 430 00 tonnes. This is below the five year average of 132 000 hectares and 1.2 million tonnes.

With the winter harvest now complete, winter grain production is estimated at 31.5 million tonnes, a 22 per cent decline from last year’s record. Of this, wheat accounts for 20.4 million tonnes, barley 6.5 million tonnes and canola 1.5 million tonnes.

For further information, contact Vince O’Donnell on (02) 6272 2255.

For copies of the Australian Crop Report please visit the ABARE website www.abareconomics.com or contact (02) 6272 2010.