south australia

• Autumn rainfall has been average to above average in the majority of South Australia’s cropping regions. The exceptions are some parts of the south east of the state, where rainfall was below average. It is estimated that around 70 per cent of intended plantings have been sown, with only some areas in the Mallee yet to plant. Good rainfall in early June on the Eyre and Yorke Peninsulas and through the midnorth leaves only the northern and south eastern districts needing rainfall to complete sowing.


• Conditions were generally good for paddock preparation and weed control in many districts, and sowing progressed quite rapidly. Good rainfall in early June across the central and western districts will allow further sowing to take place in these areas.


• The total area planted to winter crops in South Australia is forecast to be 3.95 million hectares. Total winter crop production is forecast to reach 6.96 million tonnes in 2006-07, a marginal decrease from 2005-06, reflecting a return to average yields.


• The area planted to wheat in South Australia is forecast to increase by 4 per cent in 2006 07 to total around 2.1 million hectares, reflecting the early start to the season, combined with a much improved outlook for wheat prices. Total South Australian wheat production is forecast at 3.6 million tonnes, a marginal increase from 2005-06.


• The area planted to barley in 2006-07 is forecast to fall by 4 per cent to around 1.26 million hectares, reflecting the earlier start to the season and more favorable wheat prices. Assuming a return to average yields, barley production in 2006-07 is forecast to be 2.46 million tonnes, an 8 per cent reduction on 2005-06.


• The area planted to canola in South Australia in 2006-07 is forecast to increase by 3 per cent to around 155 000 hectares, reflecting the early break in the season. Canola production is forecast to increase by 7 per cent from 2005-06 to 233 000 tonnes.



South Australia winter crop estimates,  2006-07 Area change from Area f Yield f Production f 2005-06 000 ha t/ha kt % Wheat 2 095 1.73 3 624 4 Barley 1 260 1.95 2 457 -4 Canola  155 1.50  233 3   f  ABARE forecast.   download excel file