November 17, 2011

Australian winter crop production forecast to reach 41 million tonnes

Australia's winter crop production for 2011/12 is forecast to be around 41 million tonnes, slightly lower compared to 2010/11, according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES).

Favourable growing conditions over winter across the major cropping regions, combined with solid rainfall in late August and early September, helped to develop crops in most regions. Western Australia, in particular, is expected to yield over 13 million tonnes, 78% higher than the drought affected 2010-11 season.

While crops throughout Southern Australia (8.17 million tonnes) and Victoria (6.44 million tonnes) are well placed after good falls throughout the growing period, production in both New South Wales (11.27 million tonnes) and Queensland (1.88 million tonnes) has been affected by below average rainfall particular in the key cropping regions of northern New South Wales and southern Queensland. 

Wheat production for 2011-12 is forecast to total 26.2 million tonnes, slightly lower than a year earlier, while barley production is expected to decrease 11% year on year, to just over 8.3 million tonnes. However, canola production is forecast to rise 7% year on year, to 2.3 million tonnes.