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| queensland
» Average to below average rainfall was recorded for almost the entire cropping region of Queensland during autumn. Up to 100 millimetres of rainfall over parts of central Queensland in the first week of June enabled widespread planting of winter crops to occur. However, with poor subsoil moisture, in-crop rainfall will be essential for crop development. » In southern Queensland, only small areas of winter crop have been planted, mainly in the east of the region. Soil moisture is marginal in the major winter production regions of southern Queensland. Planting of winter crops is yet to commence in the western Darling Downs and will not happen if rainfall is not received by the end of June. » Below average autumn rainfall has resulted in low subsoil moisture across most of Queensland. Subsoil moisture levels in southern Queensland are around half of what is required for planting to take place. The majority of intended crop area will be planted into average soil moisture profiles in central Queensland, where rainfall was recorded at the start of June. Crops sown into profiles with low subsoil moisture are more dependent on in-crop rainfall. » Total area planted to winter crops is forecast to increase by around 9 per cent in 2007-08. Good rainfall at the start of June has boosted planting intentions across central and south east Queensland. Total winter crop production in Queensland is forecast to increase by around 30 per cent in 2007-08 to just over 1 million tonnes, reflecting the increase in area sown and a forecast improvement in yields from the 2006-07 season. » Queensland’s wheat area is forecast to increase by around 5 per cent to 580 000 hectares. In parts of southern Queensland, further rainfall is required to enable crops to be planted. Wheat production in Queensland is forecast to be 841 000 tonnes in 2007-08, 20 per cent higher than last year, reflecting an increase in area, combined with a return to average yields. While most areas of the state have a 50 per cent chance of exceeding the long term median wheat yield, low subsoil moisture in southern areas is likely to reduce the yield potential of the crop. » The area planted to barley is forecast to fall by around 6 per cent to 85 000 hectares in 2007-08, primarily reflecting expected lower sowings in southern Queensland, particularly in the western Darling Downs and the Maranoa Balonne district. Assuming a return to average yields, total barley production is forecast to increase by 43 per cent to 136 000 tonnes in 2007-08. » Chickpea production is forecast to increase from 43 000 tonnes in 2006-07 to 111 000 tonnes in 2007-08, reflecting a doubling in area planted. The increased in area is predominantly in central Queensland, where prospects are currently more positive than other parts of the state. » Sorghum production in Queensland in 2006-07 is estimated to have declined by 45 per cent to around 600 000 tonnes. While early sown crops in southern Queensland achieved average to above average yields, later sown crops received little followup rainfall, resulting in well below average yields. Yield expectations for late planted crops in central Queensland were initially above average. However, lack of rainfall reduced yield potential, resulting in below average production. » Production of cotton seed and cotton lint is estimated to have fallen by 72 per cent in 2006-07 to 77 000 tonnes and 54 000 tonnes respectively. This reflected lower water availability, together with higher than average temperatures during the growing period resulting in lower yields.
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