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Final figures for SA harvest

Tuesday March 10, 2009

South Australia’s estimated crop production has finished at 4.93 million tonnes for season 2008.

The PIRSA Crop and Pasture Report for February, compiled by Rural Solutions SA, confirms that harvest has finished in all areas of the State.

The State’s total crop area is 4.01 million hectares.

Author of the report, Rural Solutions SA’s Peter Fulwood said farmers were now hoping for good rains in the next six weeks.

“The area of crop this year is not expected to change significantly from last season. After the hot conditions experienced in many parts of the State in early February, and minimal rainfall, growers are now holding out for a good opening to the season,” Mr Fulwood said.

He said paddock feed remains adequate in most areas with stock numbers relatively low, however feed levels have declined over the past month.

“While cereal stubbles are still providing some feed, many pasture paddocks are largely grazed out and some supplementary feeding has commenced,” he said.

The full report will be available this afternoon at www.pir.sa.gov.au/cropreport.