PIRSA's latest crop and pasture report, released today (Thursday), has tipped the 2021-22 SA grain harvest to be the most valuable on record, expected to reach a farmgate value of $2.8 billion.
The state's grain production is expected to be 7.98 million tonnes, close to the 10-year average of 8 million tonnes.
About 3.9m hectares have been sown - above the long term average - with about 70 per cent of this having been sown dry.
"While the report highlights SA grain production is likely to remain average, record prices for some varieties are driving strong returns to the grain industry," Primary Industries Minister David Basham said.
Late opening rains in June and above average rainfall in July across many regions have contributed towards crop establishment and has also replenished soil moisture reserves.
"Deeper soil moisture from these rains have supported the crops into spring, however below average August rains and the continuing drier trend in early September has emphasised the need for good spring rains to finish the season," Mr Basham said.
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The report specifies that lentil crops are especially dependent on receiving average to above average rain through October to reach their full potential.
"According to the report, crops in most districts have average to above average yield potential, except for the Northern Murray Mallee and parts of the Upper North which are recording below average yield potential. Soil moisture is also poor in the Lower Murray and Southern Murray Mallee," Mr Basham said.
"Many farmers opted to sow barley due to the late start, with the area under wheat near average. A high canola price outlook provided an incentive for producers to stick with the crop and a decline in demand has resulted in a significant reduction in the area sown for export hay."
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