Australia
November, 2008
Source:
Australian Oilseeds
Federation (AOF)
Canola 2008/09
 The
eastern states have experienced another disappointing end to the
season. Below average rainfall, high
temperatures and frosts have all contributed to a downsizing of
the crop forecast in NSW, Victoria and South Australia. However,
the crop in Western Australia has largely benefitted from above
average rainfall, although there has been some frost damage
reported. Overall the canola crop forecast has been further
reduced to around 1.4 million tonnes.
October saw the continuation of dry weather across NSW,
with almost no rainfall and very high temperatures towards the
end of the month and continuing in early November. Despite these
conditions, the crop in the northern region should still achieve
reasonable yields of 1.4 to 1.8 t/ha. In the western regions,
crops have been windrowed and harvested, but harvest activities
are only just commencing on the Liverpool Plains. The Central
West crop has been affected by adverse weather conditions with
both heat and some frost damage being reported. However, yields
are still expected to be reasonable, though below those of the
north. The South West has not fared as well and a large area of
the crop was severely damaged by the hot, dry conditions and
frosts. There is a wide variation in both the condition and
stages of the crop in this region and both yields and oil
contents are expected to be disappointing.
The crop in Victoria is variable throughout most regions
of the State, but generally yields are expected to be down on
expectations. In all growing areas, crops have been exposed to
moisture stress, high temperatures and
widespread frosts. The Western District suffered heavy frosts
from Ararat to Willaura and Streatham. Combined
with the very hot and dry weather conditions, many areas of crop
have failed and will not be harvested. Estimated
reductions in yield range from 30% to 90%.
As for Victoria, South Australia had a severe finish to
the season with a very dry, hot month. Combined with wide
spread frosts, the average yield for the State has been reduced
to 0.9 tonne/hectare. However, there are a
number of areas spread throughout the state where yields will
more likely be 1.4‐1.8 tonne/hectare. Windrowing has commenced
and harvest should be underway by end November.
Above average rainfall has continued to support crops in all
areas of Western Australia and the State yield has been
revised up from last month. In the Albany region, harvest has
commenced and canola quality is reported to be average or
better, despite some yield loss due to frost damage. Harvest in
the northern region is well underway and again both yields and
oil content are reported to be above average. At the time of
writing harvest is approximately 10% complete, despite some
significant delays in all areas due to rainfall and moisture.
With good weather forecast, the harvest should be well underway
in the next week.
Virtual Canola Crop Website:
http://www.australianoilseeds.com/agronomy_centre/the_virtual_canola_site |
|
