south australia
arrow The 2005-06 South Australian winter grain harvest has just been completed, with production exceeding earlier expectations. Production is estimated to have been 7.1 million tonnes, a 34 per cent increase compared to 2004-05 and 7 per cent above the five year average. Cereal yields were generally above average.
arrow The late start to the season, combined with below average winter rainfall led to low expectations for crop production in South Australia in 2005-06. However, rainfall late in September and October was ideal for flowering and grain fill stages of production, leading to above average yields. The Mallee districts recorded yields well above average in most areas.
arrow Wheat production is estimated to have increased to 3.6 million tonnes, 33 per cent higher than 2004-05. While the area sown to wheat was relatively unchanged from the previous season, the increase in production reflects higher yields. Quality was generally good, with a greater proportion of grain meeting milling grade standard than in 2004-05. However, wheat in some areas has been affected by black tip.
arrow Barley production is estimated at 2.7 million tonnes, also 33 per cent higher than in 2004-05. Quality has been reported to be good; however, rain in early November meant there were some issues with black tip in traditional malting barley areas, leading to some grain being downgraded to feed quality.
arrow Although canola yields were average, in most areas they were significantly higher than the previous season. The area planted to canola for 2005-06 is estimated to have been 150 000 hectares, a 34 per cent decrease compared with 2004-05. However, due to increased yields estimated production was only 9 per cent lower than 2004-05 at 218 000 tonnes.
arrow For pulse crops, including lentils, lupins and field peas, yields have been variable, ranging from below average to well above average. Field peas in some areas were affected by black spot, and lentils had some staining and weed contamination. Pulse production is estimated at 548 000 in 2005-06.
 
south australia winter crop estimates, 2005-06
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