Australian Oilseeds Federation - Canola crop report December 2006 (excerpts)

With the canola harvest virtually complete, Australia continues to face a shortfall in requirements.

Harvest is virtually complete in New South Wales, with conditions pushing harvest 2-3 weeks earlier than normal. The crop in
the north finished on a reasonable note for the season with yields between 0.6 and 1.4 t/ha, although some early crops performed significantly better than this. However, oil contents were below average at 34-39%. In the central
region, a large proportion of the crop was grazed and what was harvested showed poor yields and poor oil contents. In the south, a large proportion of the harvested crop was from irrigation areas and this, combined with the northern crop, has held up yields for the state. A large proportion of the dryland crop was grazed or cut for hay. It has been difficult to obtain an accurate estimate of the area harvested. Production is estimated at 30,00 0 tonnes.

Harvest is well underway in Victoria, but has been hampered by the very windy conditions adding further yield
losses. Yields have been very variable, with early crops on fallow yielding significantly better. It is still somewhat
difficult to get an accurate estimate of what has been cut for hay in the western district, however, estimates for
harvested area have been revised downwards. Victoria is expected to produce only 42,000 tonnes.

The crop in South Australia has fared a little better although there has still been area lost to grazing or hay
production. Oil contents for the SA crop are only around 3-3.5% lower than average, due to most of the crop being sown in May. Estimates have been left unchanged.

Final production for Western Australia looks like being a 20% upside surprise compared to production estimates to the beginning of November. Oil contents have been reasonably good given the season, averaging above 40%. Yields in the eastern wheatbelt have ranged from 0.7-1.0 t/ha and in the southern/Albany region from 1-1.7t/ha. The latter has benefited from regular showers throughout spring. There may still be a bit of upside from the Albany region. At this stage, we estimate production of around 320,000 tonnes, but there could be some upside on this.

The 2006/07 season has been very difficult for growers with combined effects of drought and major frost events.
The table below shows the progress of the season, with the east coast numbers reflecting firstly the major impact of the drought and then the frost through Victoria, southern NSW and south east SA.