 Good rainfall in late April, encouraged winter crop planting in a number of South Australia’s grain producing regions. In the Eyre Peninsula, parts of the upper north and through the Mallee districts, rainfall has been light and variable. These regions have no sub-soil moisture and rainfall throughout the growing season will be critical.
It is estimated that around 60 per cent of intended plantings have been sown in South Australia. Of the crops sown, relatively mild temperatures have resulted in rapid emergence across many areas. However, the emergence of crops has been patchy because of the variable soil moisture and rainfall to date.
The total area planted to winter crops in South Australia is forecast to be 4.1 million hectares, similar to the previous year. Assuming a return to average yields, total winter crop production is forecast to reach 6.6 million tonnes in 2008-09, a 1.7 million tonne increase from the 2007-08 season.
The area planted to wheat in South Australia is forecast to remain similar to the previous year at 2.2 million hectares. Assuming a return to average yields, wheat production in South Australia is forecast to be 3.5 million tonnes, 1.2 million tonnes more than the previous year.
In 2008-09 the area planted to barley is forecast to remain at around 1.2 million hectares. Assuming a return to average yields, barley production in 2008-09 is forecast to reach 2.2 million tonnes.
The area planted to canola in South Australia in 2008-09 is forecast to increase by 9 per cent to 175 000 hectares. Assuming a return to average yields, canola production is forecast to be around 245 000 tonnes, nearly 60 per cent more than the 2007-08 drought affected harvest. |
