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Australian Oilseeds Federation - Canola crop report July 2006
Australia
July, 2006

Australian Oilseeds Federation - Crop Report July 2006 (excerpts)

Canola 2006-07

Good general rain over the weekend has helped crops in the eastern states, but poor prospects in Western Australia have contributed to a 20% reduction in production forecasts.

The area in New South Wales has been revised upwards a little, but the  crop is still well below the long term average. The crop was in a critical condition, with the good general soaking rain over the weekend improving the outlook. The cropping area generally received 20-40 mm of rain. However, with little or no subsoil moisture in most areas, the crop will need above average rain through the remainder of the season to achieve yields equivalent to last season. The late plant, lack of rain and cold conditions have slowed crop development and most crops are only at the 2 leaf stage or less. June was the coldest on average for 25 years and the cropping area up until the weekend had only had half the rainfall of last year. There has been some incidence of lucerne flea and, in the south, some weed issues. Overall, yields have been reduced slightly, with production estimated at 252,000 tonnes.

The crop in Victoria was in a critical condition until the good general rain over the weekend. Like NSW, most areas received 20-40 mm, which was the first effective rain since early May. This has positioned Victoria for a reasonable season, provided there is a good spring. Area has been revised down slightly to 213,000 hectares and yield to 1.6 t/ha to give 343,000 tonnes.

South Australia did not fare quite as well as Victoria and NSW in terms of the weekend rain. However, most areas had reasonable falls with only the South East missing out. Falls in the South East were generally only around 10mm, which will be sufficient to germinate crops. Across the rest of the state, crops are generally looking good and there could be some upside in yield if there is reasonable to good rain throughout the remainder of the season.

The situation in Western Australia has deteriorated significantly with little rainfall during June. After a reasonable
start, there has been very little follow up rain - June rainfall is in the lowest 10% of totals ever recorded. As a result, yield potential has been revised down. Yield potential could range from 0.6-1t/ha across the state. Crop emergence has been very patchy with crop stages varying from cotyledon to 6 leaf. There has been reported incidence of vegetable beetle causing concerns while Bryobia mite has been active well into June. Growers are now seeking to minimise further input costs. The North is very dry, with poor yield prospects. Some sown crops have not emerged. The central western and lower Great Southern districts are experiencing poor conditions even in some of the higher rainfall areas. In contrast, the Esperance region is in very good condition, with prospects for above average yields.

Watch the canola crop progress at the Virtual Canola Crop site.
http://www.australianoilseeds.com/info/virtual_canola_crop

Australian Oilseeds Federation - Crop Report July 2006

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