In this section:

SA harvest delivers above average crop

Media Release

Thursday, 12 January 2012

The 2011-12 South Australian grain harvest, which is almost complete, is estimated at 7.76 million tonnes, making it the State’s fourth largest on record.

Deputy Chief Executive for Primary Industries and Regions SA, Dr Don Plowman, said this season’s harvest was above average, according to PIRSA’s latest Crop and Pasture Report.

“This estimate is slightly higher than the November prediction of 7.63 million tonnes and is welcome news for grain growers and the economy,” Dr Plowman said.

“Grain growers have generally achieved good yields, despite well below average growing season rainfall (April to October) and rain threatening harvest in some regions last November and December.

“Stored soil moisture from above average summer rains early in 2011 contributed to the above average production.

“Despite the large crop, poorer grain prices have taken a toll on the farm gate value, estimated to be $1.6 billion.

“There has been a general improvement in grain quality this season. Several districts, however, reported grain quality issues at harvest including moulding of some pulses, resulting in downgrading or in some cases rejection, at silos.”

Dr Plowman said most farmers across the State completed harvest by the end of December, with only a small area of grain harvest in the South East and Kangaroo Island left to reap. Wheat and barley prices have declined compared to the 2010-11 season, with bean prices steady on last year, while canola prices have held up reasonably well. 

Canola production was more than 70% above the long-term average as farmers responded to the early season price with optimism, sowing almost double the long-term average area, combined with yields 14% above average.

Diseases in crops this year were generally less than normal, especially in pulses including peas and lentils. This was due to reduced disease pressure from the drier conditions in winter, and good fungicide management.

The 2010-11 harvest was the biggest on record at 10.34 million tonnes, lifting the 10 year average to 6.5 million tonnes. The grains industry is a significant contributor to the State’s economy, generating approximately 4.6 billion or 33% to Gross Food Revenue. It accounts for 21% as a proportion of South Australian exports.

View PIRSA’s full Crop and Pasture Report at www.pir.sa.gov.au/grains/cpr