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2006 grain production estimate at 2.95M tonnes

Monday 8 January 2007

The grain production estimate for the State for 2006 is 2.95 million tonnes – about 45% of the five year average production.

That’s the figure from the December 2006 PIRSA Crop and Pasture Conditions Report prepared by Rural Solutions SA.

Report author Peter Fulwood said that harvesting was finished in most districts by mid December with only a very small area of crop still to be reaped in the Lower South East.

“Cereal yields on a statewide basis have been about 45% of average, although grain quality has been generally satisfactory,” Mr Fulwood said.

“Many cereal crops nevertheless managed to perform remarkably well despite the extreme seasonal conditions, demonstrating exceptional water use efficiency and testament to the improve capacity of farming systems to cope with drought.”

In relation to pastures, the report says that paddock feed is minimal in most districts with pastures largely exhausted and stubbles rapidly diminishing and some supplementary feeding has started.

“An increasing number of paddocks have very little surface cover and are at constant risk of wind erosion, with some areas already showing significant soil movement,” the report says.

“Recent germination of summer weeds will provide some paddock cover and green pick for stock.

“Some farmers are using confinement feeding systems to carry stock through and help maintain paddock surface cover.

“Bores/dam are drying up in some areas forcing producers to cart water.”

A hotline is available for farmers seeking access to drought information, including support services, rural financial counsellors, and managing stock and crops in dry times. The hotline is 180 2020 or log onto www.service.sa.gov.au/drought.asp