Australian Oilseeds Federation - Crop Report January 2006 (excerpts)

Canola 2005/06

Despite the poor start to the season, canola production is estimated at 1.44 million tonnes for the season, which is better than initially expected. Harvest is now complete.

Despite the very late start, NSW yields overall have been very good. It is estimated that the state finished with an average yield of around 1.75 t/ha, and as a consequence, we have revised the area planted up to 145,000 hectares. Yields of 2.2 to 2.6 t/ha have been reported and yields of close to 2 t/ha were not uncommon. The state average for oil is estimated to be 41%, which was good considering the late planting. While the late start has probably had the greatest impact on oil yields, a reluctance by growers to topdress given the uncertain
season, blackleg and the proportion of TT and IT crops were all contributing factors.

Production in Victoria has been revised down due to poor performance of the crop in the western districts. The southern harvest was very disappointing with yields well below average. This was primarily due to the late break and dry conditions through the early part of the growing season. The earlier sown crops were down slightly, but for the very late crops, yields were down by more than 30%. There is no change for other districts on last month.

There has been no change to estimates for South Australia. Yields have been good and oils reasonable given the season.

The excellent conditions in Western Australia have seen yields upgraded with total production of 630,000. Oil content has all been excellent with a state average of 45%.

Sunflowers 2005/06

While the sunflower industry will still see one of its best year’s for some time with production of over 100,000 tonnes, the early potential of the crop has not materialised. The crop is estimated to comprise (on tonnage basis) almost 80% mono, 15% poly and the remainder confectionary.

The early mono crop in Northern NSW was progressing well, however, heat wave conditions over the Christmas / New Year period and the added pressure of Rutherglen Bugs have reduced yield prospects. Harvest is in full swing with generally disappointing yields. Yield has also been impacted by the sunflowers drying down very quickly, resulting in low moisture content. Consequently, average yield estimates for the Moree region are back to approximately 1.1t/ha overall. At this stage, the late crop prospects are limited due to the hot and dry conditions.

Sunflower crops on the Liverpool Plains have also endured hot, dry conditions for the past three weeks with some welcome relief with storms over the last 4-5 days. The majority of the early crop flowered over the Christmas and New Year period and is well into grain fill. Harvest will begin in the next couple of weeks. Yields are estimated
to average 1.5-1.8t/ha. There has been extremely high pressure from Rutherglen bugs resulting in crops being sprayed on average 2-3 times and crops destined for the confectionary market receiving up to 5 sprays. There is some interest in late plant sunflowers with the area being slowly sown depending on sowing moisture. The late
planting started approximately two weeks ago and is likely to continue over the next ten days approaching the end of January.

Soybeans 2005/06

Low soybean prices and better prospects for alternative crops have not seen planting intentions realised.

Area has been reduced in north Queensland due to dry conditions, while in coastal regions the better prospects for sugar cane in 2006 has taken potential bean area. On the NSW north coast, planting intentions have also not been realised. This is a result of poor soybean prices and better outlook for beef and cane. The beans planted are generally late due to the delayed cane season. In the south, crops look excellent and area has been revised up slightly in Victoria.