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Grain crop remains steady despite weather damage

Monday 12 January, 2009

Grain harvest across the state is almost complete, with crop estimates remaining unchanged despite the impacts of widespread rainfall.

Several centres recorded their highest December rainfall on record, with conditions causing significant delays and varying amounts of damage to grain quality.

That’s according to the latest PIRSA Summary of Crop and Pasture Conditions in SA for December, compiled by Rural Solutions SA.

The report says despite humid conditions and heavy falls to most districts in mid December, crop production estimates remain at 4.74 million tonnes.

Author of the report, Rural Solutions SA’s Peter Fulwood, said by the end of the month harvest was around 95% complete, with southern Yorke Peninsula, Kangaroo Island and the Lower South East still yet to finish.

“Farmers have reported significant variation in sprouting between wheat varieties, which has resulted in quality downgrading as a consequence,” he said.

“Summer weed populations have also emerged and spraying is currently taking place.”

Farmers however may only be able to afford to spray selected areas, with many looking to use stock and cultivation as cheaper alternatives for control.

Surface cover levels are generally quite good with sufficient paddock feed for stock. However lighter stubbles and failed crops in drier areas will need to be carefully managed to avoid overgrazing.

Lucerne and other perennial pastures have responded well to the rain and are also providing good feed in a number of districts.

The full report is available at www.pir.sa.gov.au/cropreport