September 5, 2008

Winter crops, including wheat, in South Australia were helped by good rains in July and August, sparking higher production estimates from a harvest to be completed by year-end, said the state's Department of Primary Industries and Resources on Thursday (September 4).

Rainfall in August was around average in most parts of the state. Rainfall in the growing season to date - from April through August - remained below average in parts of the state's western growing region, the far northeast and the southeast, the report said.

July rainfall was around average in most areas, resulting in "quite good" levels of stored soil moisture ahead of the spring growth period, it said.

"Crops in many districts now have good yield potential, however all districts will need timely spring rains and ongoing mild temperatures to maintain growth," Peter Fulwood, a crop consultant, indicated in the report.

The total winter crop output forecast for South Australia was revised up 12 percent from a month ago, to 6.49 million tonnes. This would be up 33 percent from last year's drought-affected output of 4.88 million tonnes.

Wheat production this year is estimated at 3.26 million tonnes, up 13 percent from a month ago and 39 percent on actual output last year.