Crop and pasture reports

Summary

• The 2024 season saw well below average rainfall for all cropping regions of South Australia.
• Localised rainfall events occurred during December, however this did not offset the significant deficit already experienced.
• Stored soil moisture is currently extremely low, with significant rainfall required to return to neutral conditions.
• Crop performance was poor in most regions, with yield limited by the combination of late crop emergence, a dry winter and the early onset of spring conditions. Severe and widespread frost events in September led to further yield reductions, with severely frosted crops cut for hay as a salvage strategy.
• In marginal cropping regions, significant areas of failed crops were utilised for grazing or abandoned, rather than harvested for grain, further reducing harvested grain production.
• Yield reports from harvested crops were significantly below average, however widespread rainfall which occurred during October stabilised crop yield potential in later districts due to improved grain and pod fill and slowed grain maturation. Later districts were also helped by a lack of extreme heat and wind events during ripening and harvest.
• The estimate of total cropping area is lower than the previous 5 years due to less crop area being sown in marginal cropping districts in response to the dry seasonal start.
• The total crop area harvested for grain was further reduced by the impact of frost where damaged crops were cut for hay.
• Very low crop production combined with high cost of production has increased financial stress for many producers, requiring the extension of overdraft finance to provide cash flow and enable the purchase of inputs for sowing next season’s crop.
• The final estimated grain production for 2024–25 is 5.2 million tonnes, which is 43% below the 5-year average and the lowest total since 2008–09 (4.9 million tonnes). The estimated farm gate value of grain is estimated to be $2.1 billion.

Crop and pasture report dashboard

The PIRSA crop and pasture report dashboard displays crop area and production data, providing a simple source of crop statistical information.

South Australian crop area, production, and yield are searchable by reporting district, crop type, and season.

The data dates from the 1999–2000 season, up to and including the current season.

Crop reporting districts map

Crop estimates for a season are based on the districts defined in the following map.