western australia

Winter crop production in Western Australia is estimated at 7.5 million tonnes in 2006-07, a fall of 48 per cent when compared with production in the previous season. Seasonal conditions in Western Australia have been variable throughout the cropping season. The northern part of the Western Australian grains belt had a poor start to the season and the area sown to winter crops was reduced considerably. Production in this region is estimated to have been around 20 per cent of average. In the central and southern regions seasonal conditions were more favorable and crop yields are expected to be close to average.

Rainfall in May–October across the grains belt was very much below average. However, rainfall in September and October maintained crops in the southern and central regions.

Harvesting has commenced in all regions of Western Australia, with some regions starting earlier than usual because of the hot and dry finish to the season. The Cooperative Bulk Handling Authority (CBH) in Western Australia estimates that they will receive 6.6 million tonnes of grain (harvest report no. 2) for the 2006-07 season. By late November it is estimated that 3.5 million tonnes of grain had been received by CBH.

Wheat production is estimated at 5 million tonnes in 2006-07, a fall of nearly 4.5 million tonnes from the previous season. This is the smallest wheat harvest in Western Australia since 2002-03. Much of the decline in wheat production is estimated to be caused by the poor crops in the northern part of the grains belt.

Reflecting an 18 per cent fall in the area sown to barley and lower yields than in 2005-06, total barley production in Western Australia is estimated to decline by 36 per cent to below 1.7 million tonnes. Of the barley harvested, high screenings have been recorded, but this was expected given the seasonal conditions in 2006-07.

Canola production in Western Australia is estimated to be 280 000 tonnes in 2006-07, a decline of 56 per cent from the previous season. It is estimated that of the area planted to canola in 2006-07, around 75 per cent will be harvested. Of the canola that has been harvested the oil content has been a little below average, but reasonable given the growing conditions.

The area sown to lupins in 2006-07 is estimated at around 350 000 hectares, a little over half the area sown in the previous year. Combined with a reduction in yields, total lupin production in Western Australia is estimated at around 125 000 tonnes, 86 per cent less than in 2005-06.

Western Australia winter crop estimates,  2006-07 Production change from Area Yield a Production 2005-06 000 ha t/ha kt % Wheat 4 000 1.25 5 000 -47 Barley 1 070 1.54 1 650 -36 Canola  400 0.70  280 -56 Lupins  350 0.36  125 -86 a yields are based on area planted. download excel data