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new south wales
spacer Total summer crop production in New South Wales is forecast to increase by 26 per cent to 1.35 million tonnes in 2007-08. Above average rainfall throughout summer has improved prospects for nonirrigated crops such as grain sorghum and yields are forecast to be above average. However, for irrigated crops, such as cotton and rice, a lack of available water at the time of planting meant only a relatively small area was planted to these crops.

spacer The area planted to grain sorghum in New South Wales in 2007-08 is estimated to have been 250 000 hectares, 40 per cent more than the area cropped in 2006-07. Above average rainfall throughout summer has resulted in forecast grain sorghum yields in New South Wales being around 30 per cent above the five year average at a record 4 tonnes per hectare. Grain sorghum production in 2007-08 is forecast to be a record 1 million tonnes, more than double the drought reduced harvest of 2006-07.

spacer Rice production is forecast to be one of the lowest on record at around 18 000 tonnes. A lack of irrigation water in southern New South Wales at the time of planting resulted in the area sown to rice being only 2000 hectares, the lowest since the industry began in the 1920s. Above average temperatures across the growing season have been favourable and yields are forecast to be above average. However, the severely limited area sown to rice will ensure a small volume of rice is produced in 2007-08.

spacer An estimated 40 500 hectares were planted to cotton in New South Wales in 2007-08, of which around 4300 hectares were dryland cotton. In most regions, good summer rainfall has provided sufficient water to finish all irrigated crops and has benefited dryland crops. However, the relatively cooler weather over the past few months may have slightly reduced yield potential. Cotton lint and cottonseed production are both forecast to fall by around 64 per cent to 80 000 tonnes and 112 000 tonnes respectively.

spacer A continuation of severe drought conditions in New South Wales for winter crops resulted in production falling by around 24 per cent to 3.1 million tonnes in 2007-08. In central and northern New South Wales, variable rainfall during the growing season resulted in mixed outcomes for crops. Areas west of the Newell highway generally had lower rainfall, resulting in poor yields in many parts. In southern New South Wales, a good early start to the season was tempered by a dry winter and spring.

spacer The area planted to wheat in New South Wales in 2007-08 is estimated to have increased by 10 per cent to 4 million hectares. A good start to the winter cropping season encouraged the larger area to be sown; however, as the season progressed, conditions deteriorated rapidly. Wheat production is estimated at 1.8 million tonnes in 2007-08, 33 per cent lower than in the previous year.

spacer Barley production in New South Wales is estimated be 650 000 tonnes in 2007-08, a 16 per cent decline from the harvest in 2006-07. The area sown to barley in New South Wales increased by 13 per cent in 2007-08. However, drought conditions reduced barley yields to well below the five year average.

spacer Significant areas of canola in New South Wales were cut for hay as producers realised that crops were unlikely to produce harvestable amounts of grains. Total canola production is estimated at 44 000 tonnes, around 9000 tonnes less than the previous year’s already drought affected harvest.
summer crop forecasts, 2007-08
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area
yield a
production
production change
from 2006-07
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`000 ha
t/ha
kt
%
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sorghum
 250
4.00
1 000
132
sunflowers
 21
1.29
 27
77
cotton seed
 41
2.78
 112
-64
cotton lint
 41
1.96
 80
-64
rice
 2
9.00
 18
-89
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a yields are based on area planted.
winter crop estimates, 2007-08
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area
yield a
production
production change
from 2006-07
`000 ha
t/ha
kt
%
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wheat
4 000
0.45
1 800
-33
barley
1 010
0.64
 650
-16
canola
 240
0.18
 44
-17
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a yields are based on area planted.