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Rain forecasts improve outlook for Vic farming
19 Jul 2004
Victorian Treasury says that improved prospects for rain over the next few months have boosted the outlook for the state's agriculture. In its June quarter outlook report, Treasury said the likelihood that median rainfall will be exceeded in the next three months is near 50 per cent. This has significantly improved the seasonal outlook after lower-than-average Autumn rains, which caused delays to Winter grain planting. The area sown to wheat was down 19 per cent; barley plantings were down 7 per cent and canola 30 per cent.
Treasury said the value of dairy exports will rise 8.1 per cent this financial year. Dairy Australia said returns will rise under the free trade agreement with the US.
Treasury also said there would be fewer slaughterings of sheep and cattle over 2004-2005, and herd and flock rebuilding will continue.
The Age, 19/7/04.
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