Australia
November 12, 2007
Source:
Australian Oilseeds
Federation
Canola 2007/08
The east coast canola crop has been revised down further,
with overall production now estimated at 953,000
tonnes, down around 10% on last month.
No real benefit will be seen for canola from the good
rainfall in the past two weeks through much of southern New
South Wales. Northern areas are close to completing harvest
where yields and oil content disappointing (35-38% oil). The
Central West is a similar story with disappointing yields and
low oil (33-35%). It is estimated that 70% of the area in this
region has been cut for hay. Some crops were left for direct
heading and there are some good crops on irrigation. In the
South, there is very little left to harvest and windrowing is
nearly completed. Late frost has done some damage, as has
heliothis in some areas. It is estimated only 55,000 hectares
will be harvested for 40,000 tonnes.
Although a downturn in production is expected across much of
Victoria, outlook for areas in the south west and
southern Wimmera are relatively positive. Severe temperatures
during the third week of October caused a lot of tipping on
later crops. Good rainfall in the south will help those crops
and oil and seed quality is expected to
be good in that region. The estimate of 248,000 tonnes from
155,000 hectares is now more in line with trade
estimates.
Harvest is well underway is the northern and western areas
of South Australia, with yields down somewhat. In
the South East, crops are still 2-3 weeks off windrowing and are
expected to show higher yields. This area has
continued to get regular rainfall through spring. Very little
canola was cut for hay or silage. There is no change to
previous estimates.
Estimates are unchanged from last month for Western
Australia. It is estimated that harvest is about one third
completed, with very good oils reported at 42-43%. The Esperance
region had 50-60 mm rainfall in the past
couple of weeks and there was hail damage in isolated areas. The
South has just commenced harvest with good oil, yield and
quality prospects, reflecting the soft finish. |