» Total summer crop production in New South Wales is estimated to fall to around 930 000 tonnes in 2006-07, the lowest summer crop in over 25 years. Dramatically reduced water allocations, below average rainfall and recent hot conditions across the state have resulted in poor growing conditions for summer crops, which are reflected by a reduction in estimated yields.

» The area planted to grain sorghum in 2006-07 is estimated to have been 155 000 hectares, around half of the area cropped in 2005-06. Above average temperatures, combined with lack of rainfall in many areas have affected the development of sorghum crops, which is reflected in below average yields. Production is estimated to fall to around 372 000 tonnes, the lowest since 1993-94.

» Significantly lower water availability and ongoing reductions in water allocations because of the current drought have resulted in the area planted to rice falling by around 89 per cent in 2006-07 to 12 000 hectares. Despite average growing conditions to date, there have been some cold nights that may affect crop development. Strong winds and bird pest problems also created difficulties in the establishment stage of the crop. These factors, combined with low water availability, are expected to constrain yields. Rice production in 2006-07 is forecast to fall by around 90 per cent to 106 000 tonnes.

» Both cottonseed and cotton lint production in New South Wales are expected to decline by 51 per cent to 281 000 and 199 000 tonnes respectively in 2006-07. Lower yields caused by extreme temperatures in many areas, and reduced water availability are expected to underpin this decline in production.

» The harvesting of winter crops in New South Wales is now complete, with total production estimated to have decreased by around 73 per cent to 3.1 million tonnes. Almost the entire state recorded below average rainfall in 2006. It was the third driest year on record for the Murray Darling Basin, which received just 282 mm in 2006, compared with the historical annual average of 504 mm.

» Low rainfall in the leadup to planting resulted in the wheat area in New South Wales falling by around 4 per cent in 2006-07 to 3.4 million hectares. Minimal rainfall and above average temperatures over the growing period constrained production to an estimated 2.1 million tonnes, around 73 per cent below production in 2005-06. Conditions in the north of the state were better than in other areas. However, the statewide average yield was still 64 per cent below the five year average.

» Barley production in New South Wales in 2006-07 was also significantly lower because of the poor growing conditions across the state and low rainfall during winter and spring. Area planted to barley fell by around 11 per cent to 900 000 hectares. Production is estimated at 550 000 tonnes, a 76 per cent reduction from production in 2005-06.

» The area planted to canola declined by around 24 per cent in 2006-07 to 180 000 hectares, following a late start to the season. In addition, yields are estimated to have been well below average, after above average temperatures during September and October restricted the development of crops. Production is estimated at 30 000 tonnes, the lowest production in over twenty years. Oil content was also reduced by the poor growing season.

summer crop forecasts, 2006–07 – new south wales production change from area yield a production 2005-06 `000 ha t/ha kt % Sorghum 155 2.4 372 –56 Sunflowers 12 1.3 16 –83 Cotton seed 108 2.61 281 –51 Cotton lint 108 1.84 199 –51 Rice 12 8.8 106 –90 a Yields are based on are planted.