Seeding progresses but patchy – May crop report
Friday 6 June 2008
Paddock preparation and seeding progressed throughout the month, however light, patchy rainfall in some districts slowed seeding operations with crops going in under marginal moisture conditions. Good follow-up rains are needed to keep the season on track.
That’s according to the PIRSA’s Crop and Pasture Report, compiled by Rural Solutions SA, which says it is estimated that seeding is now about 60% completed across the state, with quite a few farmers finished.
On much of Eyre Peninsula, parts of the Upper North and throughout the Mallee, rainfall has been light and variable and seeding has either proceeded in marginal moisture conditions or stopped.
It has been a good start for the season for some, but a patchy, frustrating start for many others.
Total crop area is estimated to be 4.10 million hectares, effectively the same as last year and slightly above the five year average.
Crop production is currently estimated to be 5.94 million tonnes, which is well above last year and slightly above the five year average.
In terms of pastures, in many paddocks feed levels remain low despite the green tinge and farmers are continuing to provide supplementary feed.
Sheep are being sold off in a number of districts as farmers seek to minimise the risk of soil erosion and deteriorating stock condition.
Early, dry sown feed has established well in many districts and has already been grazed.
