September 6, 2007

 

South Australian crop report slashes wheat, barley forecasts
 

 

Production forecasts for new crop wheat and barley have been sharply downgraded in the wake of extreme weather in August, according to a monthly crop report issued Thursday (Sep 6) by South Australia's Department of Primary Industries.

 

Further downgrades to the forecasts are possible if not probable, the report warned.

 

Total output of winter grains in South Australia is now estimated at 5.5 million tonnes, down from an estimated 7.0 million tonnes a month ago. Of this, wheat production is estimated at 2.7 million tonnes, down from 3.5 million tonnes a month ago, and barley at 1.9 million tonnes, down from 2.4 million tonnes previously.

 

Most of South Australia's wheat and barley production is exported.

 

Rainfall in August was well below average in almost all districts, while daily maximum temperatures were above average everywhere, said Peter Fulwood, a consultant who prepares the crop report.

 

"The extreme weather conditions in the latter part of August, with lack of rain, abnormally high temperatures and strong winds, have seen crops lose significant yield potential in most districts as soil moisture reserves decline rapidly," he said.

 

In the driest areas, crops are dying off and would not recover, while other crops have been grazed by livestock or cut for hay if they had sufficient bulk, according to Fulwood.

 

Early sown crops that were able to establish healthy root systems and utilise soil moisture reserves are generally faring much better than later sown crops, he said.

 

Fulwood commented, "Significant rainfall is needed immediately to stabilise crop yield potential at current levels."

 

Winter crops in South Australia are harvested in November and December.

 

Showers are forecast in southern areas of the state Saturday through Tuesday, according to a synoptic outlook issued daily by agribusiness AWB Ltd.

 

Fresh production forecasts will be issued in a crop report scheduled for Sep 18 by the government's Australian Bureau of Agricultural & Resource Economics.