Western Australia Spring rainfall in Western Australia was average to below average but timely and supported winter crop prospects. Below average maximum and minimum temperatures resulted in crops developing over a longer than average period, which is expected to boost yields in most regions. However, severe frosts in September adversely affected grain development in some areas, particularly in the south-eastern parts of the central cropping zone. Some locations recorded their lowest September temperatures on record and frost on around 15 days in September and October. Crops further south were less affected by these frost events because they were less developed and less susceptible to frost damage at the time. Total winter crop production in Western Australia is forecast to increase by 10 per cent in 2016–17 to 16.1 million tonnes, driven by expected increases in average yields. Wheat production is forecast to rise by 8 per cent in 2016–17 to 9.5 million tonnes. The average yield is expected to rise by 9 per cent as a result of generally favourable seasonal conditions. Barley production is forecast to be largely unchanged in 2016–17 at around 3.2 million tonnes. Forecast increases in yields are expected to offset a reduction in planted area. Canola production is forecast to rise by 23 per cent in 2016–17 to 1.8 million tonnes, largely because of an expected 19 per cent increase in average yield. Canola prospects were less affected by frost than those of wheat, barley and oat crops. Early harvested yields and oil content were high, particularly in the northern cropping zone. 11 Winter crop forecasts, Western Australia, 2016–17 Crop Area Yield Production Area change Prod. change ha t/ha kt % % ’000 Wheat 5 125 1.86 9 533 0 8 Barley 1 325 2.45 3 246 0 –2 Canola 1 240 1.45 1 798 3 23 Lupins 361 2.00 721 11 62 Note: Yields are based on area planted.
Western Australia Spring rainfall in Western Australia was average to below average but timely and supported winter crop prospects. Below average maximum and minimum temperatures resulted in crops developing over a longer than average period, which is expected to boost yields in most regions. However, severe frosts in September adversely affected grain development in some areas, particularly in the south-eastern parts of the central cropping zone. Some locations recorded their lowest September temperatures on record and frost on around 15 days in September and October. Crops further south were less affected by these frost events because they were less developed and less susceptible to frost damage at the time. Total winter crop production in Western Australia is forecast to increase by 10 per cent in 2016–17 to 16.1 million tonnes, driven by expected increases in average yields. Wheat production is forecast to rise by 8 per cent in 2016–17 to 9.5 million tonnes. The average yield is expected to rise by 9 per cent as a result of generally favourable seasonal conditions. Barley production is forecast to be largely unchanged in 2016–17 at around 3.2 million tonnes. Forecast increases in yields are expected to offset a reduction in planted area. Canola production is forecast to rise by 23 per cent in 2016–17 to 1.8 million tonnes, largely because of an expected 19 per cent increase in average yield. Canola prospects were less affected by frost than those of wheat, barley and oat crops. Early harvested yields and oil content were high, particularly in the northern cropping zone. 11 Winter crop forecasts, Western Australia, 2016–17 Crop Area ’000 ha Yield t/ha Production kt Area change % Prod. change % Wheat 5 125 1.86 9 533 0 8 Barley 1 325 2.45 3 246 –2 0 Canola 1 240 1.45 1 798 3 23 Lupins 361 2.00 721 11 62 Note: Yields are based on area planted.
AustCropRrt20161206_v1.0.0.docx