In farming terms there’s either too much or not enough, but it seems rain fell in the right amounts in some regions in August, bolstering South Australia’s crop farm-gate value to an expected $2 billion.
New data released by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions showed last month’s rainfall increased the state’s initial 2015–16 crop estimate by 700,000 tonnes to 7.6 million tonnes or an estimated $200 million.
According to Agriculture Minister Leon Bignell, the healthy production should translate to a farm-gate value of $2 billion or an export value of $2.4 billion.
“August rainfall is predicted to help South Australia achieve its seventh consecutive above average crop,” he said.
Bignell said an “excellent” run of seasons had produced above-average crops, increasing the 10-year average to 6.9 million tonnes.
Rainfall was variable across the state, with above average falls in parts of Eastern and Western Eyre Peninsula which has resulted in crops generally growing well, he said.
“However, 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.”
The department’s industry account manager Dave Lewis said yield potential varied from above average on Eastern and Lower Eyre Peninsula, and in the Upper and Mid North, to average, at best, in the Far West, Northern Mallee and Upper South East.
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“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,” Lewis said.
He said there was 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 had grown well, with bean crops flowering and starting to set pods and field pea crops at flowering to early pod set.
Lewis said 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.
“Most cattle and sheep farmers are maintaining or increasing their breeding stock to take advantage of current good returns being achieved from livestock,” he said.
