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 regional totals were generally near or below average for the month.
• Crop performances were poor in many regions, with yield potential limited by the combination of late crop emergence, a dry winter and the early onset of spring conditions.
• Severe frost events in September led to further yield reductions, due to severely frosted crops being cut for hay as a salvage strategy.
• In marginal cropping regions, significant areas of failed crops were utilised for grazing 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. Crop yields were further sustained 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 where there was sufficient biomass.
• The current estimated grain production for 2024–25 has been revised to 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.