November 30, 2005

Australia's 2005-06 wheat output forecast at 24.1 million tonnes

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (Abare) forecasts the country's 2005-06 wheat output at 24.1 million tonnes, up significantly from the previous forecast of 19.7 million tonnes.

Abare also forecasts 2005-06 wheat exports at 16.1 million tonnes, up from 14.694 million tonnes in 2004-05.

Although many crops were planted late in Australia, favourable weather conditions that continued since June have "provided an ideal finish to crops in many regions," Abare's Executive Director Dr. Brian Fisher said.

He added that winter crop production in New South Wales state is forecast to rise by 4 percent to 9.54 million tonnes.