» Despite a promising start to the winter cropping season, prospects deteriorated rapidly in South Australia as growing season rainfall was either the lowest on record or very much below average in almost all districts. Lack of rainfall was combined with high daytime temperatures and a number of frosts occurring at critical stages of crop development.

» The 2006-07 winter grain harvest fell by around 65 per cent from the previous season to an estimated 2.5 million tonnes — the lowest harvest in South Australia since 1982-83. A combination of drought and frost has resulted in crop yields being some of the lowest ever experienced. However, some cereal crops performed remarkably well given the extreme conditions.

» Wheat production is estimated to have fallen below 1.4 million tonnes, 62 per cent lower than in 2005-06. While the area sown to wheat was relatively unchanged from the previous season, the drop in production reflects well below average yields. Despite the poor season, quality was generally good and yields were remarkable in some regions, given the conditions.

» Barley production in 2006-07 is estimated at 900 000 tonnes, around 66 per cent lower than 2005-06. The fall in production reflects both a decrease in the area sown to barley as a result of the early start to the season and well below average yields.

» Canola production is estimated to have been about 75 000 tonnes, down 66 per cent from last season, and the lowest canola production in ten years. The area planted to canola in 2006-07 was virtually unchanged from the previous year. However, yields were around 62 per cent lower than the five year average.

winter crop estimates, 2006-07 – south australia production production change from area yield a 2005-06 `000 ha t/ha kt % Wheat 1 980 0.68 1 350 –62 Barley 1 070 0.84 900 –66 Canola 150 0.5 75 –66 a Yields are based on are planted.