November 6, 2009
West Australian winter crop forecasts downgraded
Western Australia state has downgraded its forecast for production from winter crops including wheat "in line with a less than favorable finish to the season during October".
Total winter crop production from a harvest now gathering pace is estimated in a range 11.5 million to 12.5 million tonnes, down from an estimated range 12.5 million to 14 million tonnes a month ago, according to a monthly Seasonal Update published late Thursday (Nov 5) by the state's Department of Agriculture and Food.
Wheat production is estimated in a range eight million to nine million tonnes, down from a range a month ago of nine million to 10.5 million tonnes, while barley's estimated output is unchanged at 2.2 million tonnes, canola output was trimmed by 100,000 tonnes to 800,000 tonnes, while other crops will produce 500,000 tonnes, the report said.
