Crop and pasture reports

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) publishes regular reports on the condition of crops and pastures in South Australia. The report provides the estimates of the area and the production for each crop and district during the cropping season.

Crop estimates are based on information provided to PIRSA and are updated throughout the season as conditions change and further information becomes available. They provide an indication of crop potential at the time the report is prepared.

Latest report

Summary

• Below to well below average rainfall continued in May, but June rainfall in many areas of South Australia was closer to average (see Figure 1. of 2025-26 Crop Emergence Report). Rootzone soil moisture is variable across the regions; some areas on Eyre Peninsula are average to above average with early July rain but most of the remainder of the state is below average (see Figure 2 of Report).
• Seeding is largely completed, although dust storms resulting in wind damage in the Lower Murray, Mid and Upper North, Eyre Peninsula and in the Murray Mallee has necessitated some resowing in an attempt to stabilise paddocks and increase cover.
• The late break to the season, when combined with cold soil conditions has resulted in slow crop and pasture emergence and growth.
• Weed control is a challenge given dry conditions limited pre sowing weed control. There are some isolated pest challenges with lucerne flea, red legged earth mite, millipedes and slugs.
• The area sown to lentils is estimated to have increased further (13% above 2024–25), mostly on Eyre Peninsula. Wheat area has increased by 4% from last season, while durum has decreased, mostly in the Lower North due to herbicide residue issues.
• Canola has also reduced in area, down 11% from the previous season, with a swing away from higher cost, higher risk crops. The total cropped area has increased for the state compared to the previous season.
• The estimated grain production for 2025–26 is 7.6 million tonnes, which is 14% below the five-year average. Achieving near-average yields will be dependent on late winter and spring rainfall, as there are low soil moisture reserves at present in most regions.
• With crops sown later than normal and some resowing, the risk of heat shocks during flowering and grain fill is significantly higher this season which may negatively impact total production.

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.