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Harvest forecast downgraded
8 Sep 2004
Continuing dry conditions throughout much of Australia's grainbelt has led to lower forecasts for this year's Winter crop. ABARE is predicting a 34.9 million-tonne grain harvest, down 5 per cent on its estimate earlier this year and 11 per cent on last year's record crop. The national estimate is still 4 per cent up on the average for the past five years, however.
ABARE said rains in late August throughout most of the grainbelt had improved prospects, but success depends on whether there will be sufficient rainfall between now and October-November, when harvesting begins.
Queensland has been most affected by the lack of rain. The state's production is expected to be down 30 per cent on last year. WA is expected to suffer a 21 per cent drop, but prospects are much better in NSW, where a 13 per cent increase is forecast.
National wheat production is tipped to be 22.25 million tonnes this year - 4 per cent under ABARE's June estimate and 10 per cent less than last year's record.
The area planted for Summer crops, including cotton, rice and sorghum, is expected to rise 21 per cent, with production up 13 per cent.
Australian Financial Review, 8/9/04.
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