SA harvest estimate cut to 6.2mt

The estimate puts the 2019-20 harvest 23 per cent below the state's 10-year average of 8mt, but still above last year's 5.795mt.

The 'winter crop performance edition' of PIRSA's Crop and Pasture Report reveals 3.84 million hectares were sown, compared to 3.572m ha in 2018.

The expected farmgate value is also expected to rise slightly to $1.8 billion.

Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone said crop establishment and condition in most districts was good to excellent early in the season, but had since declined as the dry conditions in late winter persisted.

"The report identifies the crop potential in several districts, including Yorke Peninsula and western Eyre Peninsula, has improved from the poor performance of last season," he said.

"Most concerning is the pastoral zones remain mostly dry with below average rainfall and in some areas, record low rainfall.

"The report further notes that most surface water supplies remain dry, and stocking rates are low or properties are completely destocked.

"In a double blow, frosts occurred during August with damage to heading and flowering crops with some farmers deciding to cut the damaged crop for hay or using it as feed."

The lower EP, southern Murray Mallee, South East and Kangaroo Island were also expected to be near or slightly above average.

But battling crops are set to be tested again in the coming days, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius in areas of the EP tomorrow (Friday), and up to 38 degrees in the Riverland and parts of the Mid North on Saturday.

"I acknowledge this is a very difficult season for many of our growers and I encourage them to access support if they need it," Mr Whetstone said.