March 24, 2006

Australia's 2006/07 wheat production to reach 24 million tonnes

Australia's wheat production for 2006/07 is expected to reach 24 million tonnes, about 1 million tonne less than the crop of 25.1 million tonnes for 2005/06.

According to USDA's Mar 21 report on Australia's grain and feed, Australia's wheat production is projected to reach 27.7 million tonnes by 2010/11.

Some 12.8 million hectares were planted to wheat in 2006/07, representing a slight increase on the estimate of 12.6 million hectares planted in the previous year. The larger areas planted to winter cereals reflects declining sheep numbers in key mixed farming areas due to drought and low wool prices.

USDA forecast a yield of 1.87 tonne per hectare for 2006/07, which is below the record yield reached in the previous year. However, the forecast yield is still slightly above average.

Wheat exports in 2006/07 are predicted to reach 17.1 million tonnes, slightly below the estimate of 17.5 million tonnes for the previous year. Lower production will lead to a decline in exports.

For the full USDA report, click here.