Mild conditions and below average rainfall across the State have allowed harvest to progress rapidly with most districts able to complete harvest one or two weeks earlier than normal.
Dave Lewis, PIRSA’s Grains Account Manager, said that while grain prices had eased slightly in recent months, the better than expected crop production performance had offset the lower value maintaining farm gate value of this crop at A$1.5 billion and export value of nearly A$2 billion.
“SA’s grain industry contributes up to A$4.6 billion to the State’s economy, with about 80 per cent of our grain exported around the world,” Mr Lewis said.
“Today’s Crop and Pasture Update suggests that this year’s harvest overall will be better than initially thought.
“All districts, except for the later finishing areas, mostly the South East, completed harvest by the end of December, with crops in some areas performing above expectations given the below average rainfall.”
Many parts of the State recorded close to average yields for cereals. Areas where yields were below average included Western Eyre Peninsula, the Upper North and parts of the Mallee, which were affected by frost.
Oaten hay yields were below average in the Upper, Mid and Lower North, but average on Yorke Peninsula and the South East. Hay quality has generally been very good with minimal weather damage.
Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) publishes a report on the condition of crops and pastures in SA every two months based on information prepared by Rural Solutions SA from regional based information sources.
