Agriculture Minister Leon Bignell said the latest edition of PIRSA’s Crop and Pasture report reveals last month’s rainfall increased South Australia’s initial 2015–16 crop estimate by 700,000 tonnes to 7.6 million tonnes.
“This has an estimated farm-gate value of $2 billion and an export value of $2.4 billion.” Mr. Bignell commented “August rainfall is predicted to help South Australia achieve its seventh consecutive above average crop. The 10 year average has also risen to 6.9 million tonnes, due to the excellent run of seasons producing above average crops.”
Bingnell went on to explain that there has been below average rainfall in the South East and Southern Mallee, which is leading to challenging growing conditions. The season has a long way to go and with variable rainfall in some regions, at this point I’m optimistic –rather than excited -about another great cropping year.
PIRSA’s Grains Industry Account Manager Dave Lewis said yield potential varied from above average on Eastern and Lower Eyre Peninsula, Upper and Mid North to average, at best, in the Far West, Northern Mallee and Upper South East.
“While the Lower Eyre Peninsula, Kangaroo Island and Lower South East has seen high rainfall in the last month, the drier conditions over the season has helped crops on waterlogged-prone soils, with above average yield potential on these soils,” Mr. Lewis commented “There’s good yield potential for canola with most crops between 50 per cent to full flower stage, with a few crops starting to pod. Pulse crops have grown well, with bean crops flowering and starting to set pods and field pea crops at flowering to early pod set. Pasture growth across the state is variable with high levels of quality feed on Eastern and Lower Eyre Peninsula and the Upper North, but poor growth in most of the Mallee and Upper South East.”
