queensland
arrow Above average spring rainfall led to an increase in area sown to summer crops; however, average to below average rainfall was recorded in most of southern Queensland’s cropping region during December, depleting subsoil moisture levels in most areas. The dry spell during December resulted in a downward revision in summer crop yield expectations. Good widespread rainfall is needed to improve crop yield for most parts of Queensland. The effect of the hot dry conditions was most severe on the potential summer crop yield in central Queensland.  In 2005-06, summer crop production is forecast to be 1.8 million tonnes.
arrow The area planted to grain sorghum is forecast to increase by 4 per cent to 585 000 hectares, to give total production of 1.3 million tonnes. Average to above average 2005 spring rainfall in some areas aided early sown sorghum crops and allowed for late plantings. Later sown crops have received little in-crop rain rainfall in January was below average; this combined with very high temperatures has considerably reduced yield potential. In central Queensland plantings are still taking place in the northern highlands; however, rain is required for substantial planting to take place.
arrow Lower water availability in many cotton growing districts is expected to lead to the area sown to cotton decreasing by 23 per cent to 122 000 hectares in 2005-06. Assuming average conditions for the remainder of the growing season, both cotton seed and cotton lint production are expected reach 274 000 tonnes and 193 000 tonnes respectively in 2005-06.
arrow The estimated area planted to sunflowers is 15 700 hectares which is significantly lower than the five year average, with production forecast to reach 15 750 tonnes. In central Queensland, sunflowers can be planted up until March; therefore an opportunity still exists for additional plantings to occur. However, the financial losses incurred by many sunflower growers due to crop failure over the previous two seasons are likely to discourage further plantings in the short term.
arrow Winter crop harvesting is now complete in Queensland. While rainfall throughout late October and early November interrupted harvest and prompted quality concerns, reports of weather damaged wheat were isolated. Wheat and barley production have both increased in 2005-06, reflecting timely rain in key growing regions.
arrow Winter crop production in Queensland is estimated to have increased by 10 per cent to 1.7 million tonnes in 2005-06, reflecting increased area sown combined with improved seasonal conditions. Despite a dry finish, overall yield and grain quality were generally good.
arrow Wheat production is estimated to have increased by 6 per cent to around 1.4 million tonnes in 2005-06. Although the area sown to wheat increased by 23 per cent, highly variable yields, particularly in central Queensland and the Darling Downs, had a negative impact on overall production.  
arrow Central Queensland wheat yields varied but were significantly better than some areas of the Darling Downs. Production in areas planted on a less than full moisture profile resulted in yield penalties. Southern highlands yields were average to above average.
arrow Production of barley is estimated to have increased by 33 per cent to 259 000 tonnes in 2005-06. The increased production reflects an increased area sown to barley combined with a high proportion of Queensland’s barley crop being planted in the western Downs/Maranoa regions where conditions were average to above average.
 
queensland summer crop forecasts, 2005-06

queensland winter crop estimates, 2005-06
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