 Planting of winter crops across South Australia was mostly completed during May and early June. Because of relatively mild temperatures across the state, crop growth was steady during June. Growth was encouraged by good rains in July and August. However frosty conditions slightly hindered crop development. The widespread occurrence of stripe rust among wheat crops across most regions may have an impact on wheat crop yield potentials and quality.
Crops have been doing well across the majority of South Australia. However, because of variable rainfall in the Western Eyre Peninsula, Upper North, and Northern Mallee regions, crop growth in these areas has been slightly patchy.
Despite this patchiness, average to above average yields are expected across most districts, especially with reasonable soil moisture levels in most areas at present. However, favourable seasonal conditions in spring are required to realise yield potentials.
Total winter crop area in South Australia is estimated at 4 million hectares in 2008-09, 2 per cent lower than in 2007-08. However, because of favourable seasonal conditions, crop production is forecast to be 6.4 million tonnes, 32 per cent higher than production in 2007-08.
The area planted to wheat in South Australia in 2008-09 is estimated at 2.1 million hectares, a fall of 2 per cent compared with 2007-08. Provided there is good spring rainfall, yields are forecast to be closer to longer term averages. Wheat production is forecast to be 3.4 million tonnes in 2008-09, a 46 per cent increase from 2007-08.
The area planted to barley in 2008-09 is estimated to have fallen by 1 per cent compared with 2007-08. However, because of favourable seasonal conditions, yields are forecast to be 1.81 tonnes a hectare, compared with 1.45 tonnes a hectare in the previous year. Total barley production is forecast to increase by 24 per cent to 2.2 million tonnes in 2008-09.
The area planted to canola in South Australia is estimated to have increased by 11 per cent to 177 000 hectares in 2008-09, reflecting a good start to the season and high canola prices. Canola production is forecast to increase by 48 per cent compared with last season’s production, reaching a forecast 230 000 tonnes. |
