July 5, 2010

South Australian producers continue to enjoy a good start to the season amid extensive rain towards the end of June.

Most regions have recorded close to average rainfall for the growing season so far with only the south east a little below, often a good thing for crop establishment during winter in this area.

Seeding is largely complete with most cereals up and out of the ground and looking good at this early stage. While there is still a long way to go, current conditions give growers cause for cautious optimism.

Early estimates put area sown to wheat up by 5-15% across the state in response to current prices. In general, growers in higher rainfall areas have replaced barley with rapeseed and other crops. Meanwhile, low rainfall regions such as northern and western Eyre Peninsula, the Mallee and upper north have increased wheat area.

Prospects for the rapeseed crop look extremely good with most sowed at the optimal time of late April and early May.