November 5, 2009
Australia's NSW winter crop forecasts cut
Production forecasts for winter crops in New South Wales state--which usually accounts for 30 percent of Australia's annual wheat production--have been cut as a result of dry spring weather and damage to crops from frost in early October, according to an official report issued late Wednesday (November 5).
Total production from winter crops this crop year now is forecast at 6.66 million tonnes, down 18 percent on a mid September estimate and down 26 percent on actual output last crop year ended March 31, according to a Grains Report issued by the Department of Industry & Investment.
New crop wheat production now is forecast at 4.48 million tonnes, down 30 percent on year. Barley output is forecast at 901,000 tonnes, down 28 percent on year; canola output at 278,000 tonnes, up 18 percent; while chickpea production is estimated at 324,000 tonnes, unchanged on year. Other crops include oats, triticale and various legumes.
Estimated winter crop area to be harvested is 4.09 million hectares, down 5.5 percent from a mid September estimate and down from 8.7 percent on the actual area last crop year, according to the Grains Report.
"Prospects for winter crops declined throughout September and October. Most regions failed to receive much-needed spring rains," with no major falls reported in central and southern areas in spring, the report stated.
Harvest has started early as a result of poor spring conditions, though harvest in the north was disrupted by rain in late October and may impact grain quality, it said.
The report also estimated that the area planted to summer crops, including sorghum and cotton but excluding rice, will reach 308,740 hectares this crop year, up 11 percent on the actual area harvested previously. Plantings of the new cotton crop will reach an estimated 100,000 hectares, still about 50 percent down on normal due to limited availability of irrigation water, according to the report.
Early September and late October rains boosted subsoil moisture levels in the north, providing a good base for sowing crops, the report said.
Cooler temperatures and frost in early October mean summer plantings and some crops need re-sowing. Rain is needed to allow the remaining crop to be sown and assist establishment and plant growth. Limited double cropping will occur this season, it said.
