South Australia’s 2021-22 harvest has returned a record high $3.2 billion Farm Gate Value and above-average crop production through challenging growing conditions, according to the State Government’s latest Crop and Pasture Report.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said the report revealed many crops yielded better than expected after fluctuating conditions during the growing season.
“South Australia’s crop production is now estimated to be at 8.32 million tonnes from 3.9 million hectares, which is far above the 10-year average of 7.73 million tonnes,” Minister Basham said.
“As global grain prices remain high, the estimated farm gate value remains at a record high $3.2 billion which is fantastic news for growers, the state’s economy and most importantly local jobs.
“Back at home, while growing conditions fluctuated during the season, presenting many challenges, crops performed better than expected. Across the board, harvest outcomes have far exceeded expectations to be above the 10-year production average with the exception of the mallee region.
“In its first year of production in South Australia, GM canola has performed very well, with GM canola tonnage being about 10 per cent of the total canola production in SA.
“The weather did cause some pockets of severe damage. The dry late winter and spring period combined with mid-spring frosts and storms has caused some lost grain production in several districts, but thankfully, the overall impact on crop production was minimal.
“The Far West and northern parts of Western Eyre Peninsula and parts of the Upper and Mid North of the state had the highest November rains on record.
“Most of the state finished harvest by end of December, with some areas still harvesting in January, following delays caused by the cool, rainy weather in October and November.
“Livestock are generally in good or excellent condition across the state, and farmers have been taking advantage of high prices to reduce their stock numbers and reduce grazing pressure. Most districts have plenty of supplies of hay and grain for livestock feed.
“While heavy rains into late January happened outside of the reporting period, they have caused significant damage on the Eyre Peninsula and pastoral regions to farms, roads and rail. Despite the damage, the rains have been welcomed by pastoralists as it will mean more feed for stock and grain growers likewise will have soil profiles full of moisture for the new season crop.”
For more information on the 2021-22 cropping season visit www.pir.sa.gov.au/cropreport
Sown crop area and production for previous six seasons | ||||||
Seasons | 2016–17 | 2017–18 | 2018–19 | 2019–20 | 2020–21 | 2021–22 est |
Area sown (ha) | 3,894,000 | 3,565,000 | 3,572,000 | 3,898,000 | 4,003,000 | 3,799,000 |
Production (t) | 11,145,000 | 6,921,000 | 5,795,000 | 6,467,000 | 9,135,000 | 8,320,000 |
Farm gate value | $2.2 billion | $1.7 billion | $1.7 billion | $2.0 billion | $2.5 billion | $3.2 billion |
