Australia
May, 2008
Source:
Australian Oilseeds
Federation (AOF)
Canola 2007/08
The
2008/09 canola crop is expected to recover from the drought
impacted crops of the previous two years, although rain is
needed in the next few weeks on the east coast to see planting
intentions realised.
NSW continues to face dry conditions. Sub soil moisture is
variable across the State. While the south received some rain
during April, the north and central regions are still waiting
for the break. Good prices and rotational benefits are
supporting grower planting intentions for canola. About 50% of
the estimated area has already been sown, and 20% of this area
sown was sown dry. Good rain in the next 2-3 weeks is critical
to seeing planting intentions realised.
There is little sub soil moisture across Victoria and there has
been little growing season rain to date. In the lower rainfall
areas, rain in the next 2-3 weeks is critical, while the higher
rainfall areas will continue planting into June.
Rainfall has been highly variable across South Australia, with
all regions looking for further rain. There is expected to be an
increase in wheat and canola plantings across the State. Some
area has been planted, but further rain is necessary to realise
intentions.
There has been an excellent start to the season across Western
Australia, with above average rainfall in April. The exception
is Esperance which is still looking for more rain. The canola
area is mostly sown and there has been a substantial increase in
area due to the good price outlook and good experience with
canola over the past couple of seasons.
Sunflowers 2007/08
The
sunflower crop estimates are virtually unchanged with the NSW
late crop average yields supported by the significant proportion
of the crop on irrigation. There has been no change to estimates
for the Queensland crop.
Conditions have remained very dry for the last 3 months in the
Moree region and thus, dryland crop yields may not be as good as
expected. Irrigated crops which have received 1-2 irrigations
are expected to yield between 1.8-2.6t/ha with harvest about to
start. Average yield potential is likely to be highly variable,
but should average around 1.3t/ha. Dry down has been slow with
cool autumn days (~24 0C) and cold nights. The mild conditions
during oil lay down should assist oil content levels.
On the Liverpool Plains, the late sunflower harvest is
progressing fairly well. Yields have been quite good
considering the dry conditions. Average yields are estimated to
be in the range of 1.8-2.2t/ha, although some crops that were
sown on limited soil moisture are likely to see yields below
this. Harvest will continue for the next 4-6 weeks with late
planted crops still drying down. Dry weather has continued
allowing good harvest conditions
Crops around the Coonamble region are approaching physiological
maturity and growers are contemplating
desiccation. Yields are hoped to range between 1.4-1.8t/ha. |
|