SA harvest estimate hits 7.9m tonnes

The report estimates 2020-21 grain production to reach 7.9 million tonnes from the nearly 4m hectares sown - just under the 10-year average of 8mt, which Primary Industries Minister David Basham says would be worth almost $2.2 billion.

"While farmers continue to battle drought across the state, recent rains have provided increased optimism for the grain sector for the 2020-21 season," he said.

"The estimates point to a stronger performance compared to the same time last year, despite below-average rainfall experienced from May through to late August.

"Many growers across the state are still recovering from years of drought, last summer's severe bushfires and the impacts of COVID-19 border restrictions.

"However, this report demonstrates there is still confidence to invest in the grains industry and expand area sown."

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Mr Basham said crop across northern Eyre Peninsula, northern Yorke Peninsula and parts of the northern agricultural districts were expected to be below-average, having lost yield potential due to the dry winter conditions.

Furthermore, the report highlights the persistent dry and frosty conditions through early to mid-winter led to a slowing of crop growth in most areas of the state.

While the dry winter conditions have contributed to low disease levels, there have been reports of insect pests causing crop damage, with red legged earth mite across crops and pastures, Russian wheat aphid in cereals and cowpea aphid in pulse crops with producers implementing treatment strategies to minimise their impact.

While in the pastoral zone, rainfall in August and September is promoting new feed growth, although the report advises producers in most districts would likely need to continue to supplementary feed stock until pastures improve.

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