Crop and pasture reports

Summary

• Well below average rainfall has continued through winter for all cropping regions of South Australia, and subsoil moisture remains low, with many regions at wilting point.
• The outlook for October to December is suggesting an increased chance of exceeding median rainfall for most of South Australia, especially western and northern areas, however the timing of rainfall may be too late to increase crop yield.
• Crop performance has been poor in many regions, with yield potential limited by the combination of late crop emergence, dry winter conditions and early onset of spring. This has been followed by recent severe frost events across large grain producing areas, with growers just beginning to assess the extent of damage to crops.
• The area of wheat, barley, lentils, vetch and canola to be harvested is expected to reduce due lack of rainfall and the impact of frost. Many of these crops will either be grazed or cut for hay where there is sufficient biomass.
• Low levels of stripe rust infections and insect pests have emerged in several regions, however the decision to spray has been strongly influenced by yield potential and the likelihood of financial benefit from that spray.
• The current estimated grain production for 2024–25 has been reduced to 5.9 million tonnes, which is 35% below the 5-year average and the lowest total since 2018–19 (5.8 million tonnes). This will reduce further when the impact of recent frosts are fully understood.
• Producers still face the risks of further frost events and heat shocks during flowering and grain fill, which may further impact total production.

Crop and pasture report dashboard

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

South Australian crop area, production and yield are searchable by:

• reporting district
• crop type
• 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.