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Queensland's first wheat delivered
25 Aug 2003
Central Queensland's Koorngo depot has taken the first wheat of what is expected to be a depleted Queensland winter crop. Jambin farmer Kevin Hogan delivered the high protein Kennedy wheat two weeks ago - the first of an estimated 45,000 tonne Central Queensland crop and two million tonne State crop.
Although yields will be lower than last year, those growers who manage to harvest a crop in the face of drought, frosts and late rain will be able to take advantage of a rising market. MarketLink says wheat prices have risen by $20/t to $187/t in port Mackay and $192/t port Gladstone in the last few weeks due to strong demand for Chicago futures.
Most of Mr Hogan's wheat returned protein of between 13.7 per cent and 14.2 per cent. He has high hopes for his remaining crop, to be harvested early in September. His first crop of 77 hectares was planted over two days from March 31, earlier than before but necessary to take advantage of March rain. The remaining crop of 97ha was planted after the first week of April.
The Department of Primary Industries said recent frosts had damaged up to 10 per cent of crops in Central Queensland and recent rain would have had an adverse affect. The estimated Central Queensland crop will be the smallest since 1995 and stands against the average of 300,000t. Grainco says southern Queensland is looking promising but further follow-up rain is required.
Queensland Country Life, 21/8/03.
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