winter wheat crop slashed to 16 mill tonnes

Big dry cuts winter crop prospects
19 September 2006

Dry seasonal conditions are expected to result in forecast winter crop production of 26 million tonnes in 2006-07, down 36 per cent from 2005-06, according to ABARE’s September issue of the Australian Crop Report.

The report was released today by Ms Karen Schneider, acting Executive Director of ABARE.

‘Most cropping regions of Australia recorded below to very much below average winter rainfall, with some regions recording their lowest winter rainfall on record, resulting in a significant reduction in forecast winter crop production in 2006-07,’ Ms Schneider explained.

In northern New South Wales, crop development has been reasonable. However, in southern and central New South Wales, below average rainfall, combined with late planting is expected to result in significant yield penalties.

There has been a general and sharp decline in conditions across much of Victoria over the past few months, particularly in August. Current crop conditions in Queensland, combined with the seasonal rainfall outlook, indicate a strong possibility of a low yielding crop in 2006-07, with the exception of central Queensland, where conditions have been reasonable.

Across the Western Australian grains belt rainfall throughout the winter months has been below average. However, conditions in the southern and central regions are looking better than in the northern districts. After a promising start to the winter cropping season, prospects in South Australia declined rapidly during August as conditions stayed dry.

Wheat production in 2006-07 is forecast to decline by around 35 per cent to 16.4 million tonnes, while barley production is forecast to fall to around 5.8 million tonnes, a 41 per cent drop from the previous season. Canola production is also forecast to be down to around 775 000 tonnes, the lowest in ten years.

‘The extremely dry winter conditions mean that spring rainfall will be vital to secure summer crop plantings,’ Ms Schneider noted.

Assuming average spring rainfall, the area sown to summer crops is forecast to decline by around 10 per cent in 2006-07, reflecting the decline in water availability for irrigated crops such as rice and cotton.

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For media interviews and comment, please contact John Hogan, Manager, Crops, livestock and food industries on 02 6272 2056.

For copies of September issue of the Australian Crop Report visit the crop report website.

For general media enquiries, contact Maree Finnegan, Media Coordinator on 02 6272 2260 or email [email protected]

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