LATE rains to kick off the 2021-22 growing season and 70 per cent of the crop dry sown has cumulated in an early SA harvest estimate of 7.6 million tonnes, according to a state government report released today.
The latest Crop and Pasture Report estimates almost 4 million hectares of crop to be sown, similar to 2020-21, but for production to be about 1.5mt down on last season.
Primary Industries Minister David Basham said the 7.6mt estimate was the second highest in the past five years.
"Traditionally farmers like to have rain around Anzac Day to get sowing underway but with the lack of soil moisture to start the season, many farmers dry sowed and hoped for rain which thankfully arrived in late June," he said.
"There is no doubt farmers are going to need more rain to improve on the 7.6mt grain crop estimate and it is noted the current Bureau of Meteorology outlook for the August to October period shows increased probability of a wetter-than-normal winter and early spring.
RELATED READING: EP harvest back on track
RELATED READING: Rain breathes life into struggling Mallee crops
"It is pleasing to see almost 10 per cent of SA's canola crop planted with GM canola after the state government was successful in lifting a 16-year ban.
"The report states the dry start has resulted in a larger than expected area of barley sown in place of crops such as pulses, while the area for wheat is near average.
"The report further highlights the decline in export hay demand has contributed to the area sown for export hay being significantly reduced this season.
"While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt markets, dry conditions and poorer harvests than expected in many northern hemisphere cropping areas have led to increased prices for most commodities, particularly for canola and some pulses."
- Start the day with all the big news in agriculture. Sign up here to receive our daily Stock Journal newsletter.
