Australia
July, 2008
Source:
Australian Oilseeds
Federation (AOF)
Canola 2008/09
The
widespread rain across the eastern states in the first half of
July has seen canola estimates virtually unchanged from last
month.
Crops across NSW remain patchy, but the recent rain has
helped secure crop potential. The North remains dry and subsoil
moisture across the state is variable. There is a big range in
crops with the early sown crops budding to flowering, while the
late crops are only 2‐3 weeks out of the ground. There has been
little incidence of pests or disease and the recent cooler
weather will assist by slowing crop growth.
Following a dry June, the recent good rain has boosted prospects
for the Victorian crop, with the Western District
again set to be the main producing region. As with previous
years, the crop has received just enough rain and will rely on
in season rainfall and a good spring to realise the potential.
Like NSW crops are variable given sowing time and subsoil
moisture is variable. There has been some incidence of insects
in the Wimmera, but are being controlled adequately. In the
western district crops are generally looking good, at the 3‐4
leaf stage.
Following the dry June across South Australia, the recent
rain has boosted crops and generally crops are doing well. There
have been some strong winds. Minimum temperatures have been
higher than average and this has helped crops. Like Victoria,
the crop has good potential but will need a good spring to
realise this.
Following an excellent start, crop prospects in Western
Australia have been impacted by the dry conditions through
May/June. While conditions have improved in the north, this is
being offset by lower expected yields in the central and
southern regions, in particular, Esperance. Good rain in July is
needed to consolidate the crop that has been planted.
Sunflowers 2007/08
This
will form our final estimate for the 2007/08 sunflower crop,
with numbers virtually unchanged from earlier estimates. The
crop comprised around 57% mono type, 40% poly and the remainder
birdseed/confectionary.
Yields were helped in Queensland with the late planting
of mono unsaturated sunflowers in Southern Qld being
predominately on irrigation.
Yields for the late plant around Moree were disappointing mainly
due to a lack of rainfall during the growing season. Dryland
crops yielded on average 1.1t/ha, while irrigated crops yielded
on average 2.0t/ha. Oil contents were variable, but reports are
generally around 38%.
On the Liverpool Plains, the late plant sunflower harvest was
drawn out over several months due to rain and cool
conditions during June. Yields were not quite as high as some
growers had expected, but were still good considering the lack
of rain for three months of the growing season. Average yields
are estimated to be in the range of 1.6‐2.0t/ha. Preliminary
conclusions on oil content results are that most crops have
resulted in disappointing oil contents, on average around 38%. |
|