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Slight increase in cropping land expected next year
19 Jun 2008
With grain prices remaining high the area sown to winter crops in 2008/09 could increase markedly if seasonal conditions permit. Many livestock producers (whose sheep are the main competition for land use) reduced animal numbers during 2007 as drought continued in many parts of Australia. As prices of replacement livestock are likely to be high during 2008, where seasonal conditions permit, farmers are likely to place more emphasis on cropping in 2008/09 to secure a quicker recovery in incomes. Under the assumption of average seasonal conditions, the area sown to grains and oilseeds is projected to average 23.6 million hectares over the five years to 2012/13, compared with an average 22.2 million hectares in the previous five years. The increased cropping area reflects projected higher prices for grains and oilseeds over the medium term.
ABARE, 19/6/2008
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