Strong finishing rains have contributed to an estimated 8.8 million tonne grain harvest – the fourth biggest on record in South Australia.
Following years of drought, the State Government’s Spring Crop Performance 2020-21 released today also shows the four million hectares sown is the largest since 2013-14.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said it is pleasing to see grain growers in many districts reaping the rewards after many tough years.
“This year’s grain harvest offers hope to our farmers following years of drought with the latest Crop and Pasture Report estimating 8.8 million tonnes valued at $2.4 billion at the farm gate,” said Minister Basham.
“The production estimate is well above the 10-year average of 7.9 million tonnes. Many of our state’s primary producers have been and are still doing it tough but it is positive to see such a large harvest in South Australia.
“Many farmers switched from barley crops late to wheat and other crops as farmers responded to China’s tariff announcements for Australian barley imports.
“Farmers began cutting hay in mid-September and those with small areas were able to get it baled with minimal weather damage, however a number of hay producers suffered significant weather damage. Now we have a La Niña in the Pacific Ocean according to the Bureau of Meteorology, which means increased probability of more rainfall for our state.
“The report finds that crops in all regions except Lower Eyre Peninsula, harvest is tipped to improve from 2019-20 and for most of the Murray-Mallee is expected to have a bigger harvest than 2016-17’s bumper crop.
“Our grain industry generated $3.8 billion in revenue in 2018–19 and is an important export industry for the state, with our grain sent to many overseas markets including India, Indonesia and Bangladesh. Excitingly for our local grain growers, they will now have access to GM technology in time for the 2021 growing season with the Marshall Liberal Government lifting the GM moratorium.”
To access the latest Crop and Pasture report, visit pir.sa.gov.au/cropreport
