Back to Main Crop Yields Cut By Dry Spring Weather

• Published: 2009-12-17 11:08:42

  16 Dec 2009
  Continued dry conditions throughout spring and late frosts in the NSW grain belt have impacted on winter crop yields and summer crop sowings.

  Industry & Investment NSW winter cereals specialist, Frank McRae, said 95% of the winter crop harvest was complete, following an early start to harvest of up to three weeks.

  “The latest NSW Grains Report reveals the full impact of spring drought conditions and frosts, with winter crop yield forecasts continuing to decline and summer crop prospects looking uncertain,” he said.

  “Total winter crop production is forecast to be 6.59 million tonnes, around 27% lower than last year’s 9.05 million tonne harvest.

  “With the 4.3 million hectare area to be harvested only slightly down on last year’s 4.48 million ha, it is clear that the dry spring and late frosts have had a significant impact on yields.

  “The wheat harvest is expected to yield around 4.4 million tonnes, more than 30% below last year’s harvest.

  “Wheat quality has generally held up despite the poor seasonal conditions.

  “A canola harvest of just under 244,000 tonnes is now forecast, which is around 25% lower than last year’s harvest.

  “Canola quality is disappointing, with oil content averaging 39-40%, which is below the base level of 42% for payment.

  “Most pulses have performed better than cereals and oilseeds, with chickpea, faba bean and lupin yields all forecast to be up on last year’s harvest.

  “However the result for field peas is disappointing, mainly due to around 20% of the crop being lost in very hot, dry spring conditions.”

  Mr McRae said forecasts for summer crops plantings excluding rice had reduced by 9% since October to around 282,000 hectares.

  “About 180,000 hectares of summer crops have been sown and with seedbeds currently dry, further sowings are dependent on good rains over the next few weeks.

  “Soybean areas remain similar to last season, while cotton areas are up by 37% on the 2008-09 crop.”
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  Supplied by Department Of Primary Industries NSW