Australian Oilseeds Federation - Crop Report June 2005 (excerpts)

Sunflowers 2004/05

This month sees final estimates for the 2004/05 sunflower crop, and while overall the season was disappointing, estimates remain close to last month. Production is expected to finish at just over 61,000 tonnes, with about 75% of the crop monounsaturated type.

Central Queensland continues to be disappointing with yields around 0.5t/ha. Harvest has just started to get underway, with less than 5% harvested to date. The Southern Downs crops have also suffered due to the continual dry weather. Harvest is around 85% complete. The early plant Northern NSW crop harvest is complete with yields as expected. The late harvest is 95% complete in this region and 85% complete in the Liverpool Plains.

Soybeans 2004/05

This month wraps up the 2004/05 soybean crop, with estimates essentially unchanged from last month. Production is expected to be just short of 55,000 tonnes.

Canola 2005/06

A clearer picture on canola plantings is emerging, although the current rainfall on the east coast will be critical.

New South Wales has been hardest hit by the prolonged dry period and lack of a seasonal break. The area of the state drought declared was increased to 91% this week. While rain is forecast for this weekend, with another front following, this will be too late for some canola areas. However, some growers on the Southwest Slopes are seeking to maintain rotations and will still plant canola despite the late break. In the North West, area is down significantly and planting is complete. In the Central West and South, most area has been sown dry and, in many instances, has not yet emerged. It is likely that in the Central West and parts of the South some area will be over-sown with wheat or barley. There may be some upside to our estimates, if there is good, widespread rain over the coming days.

The season appears to have broken in Victoria with good general rain over the past couple of days and this still continuing. The break was too late for the Mallee and it is unlikely any canola will be planted in this region. Area will also be down further in the Wimmera. Thus, this year will see almost 75 per cent of the state’s production in the nontraditional high rainfall zones. This will benefit average yields.

There has been rain across some parts of South Australia. Similar to Victoria, most of the area planted is in medium to high rainfall areas.

As reported previously, Western Australia has had an excellent break to the season, with good follow up rain and warm conditions. Conditions in the Geraldton region are excellent and canola area has increased significantly. Similarly, conditions are favourable in the Kwinana zone and Esperance area. The Albany region has received
considerably above average rainfall for this period and there may be some crop losses as a result.