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SA crops well down on 10 year average

Thursday, February 5, 2009

South Australia’s latest crop and pasture report has confirmed the significant effect of drought, with the State’s overall yield estimated to be around 25 per cent below the 10 year average.

The PIRSA Crop and Pasture Report for January, compiled by Rural Solutions SA, says that the total crop production is estimated at 4.74 million tonnes – unchanged from last month.

Author of the report, Rural Solutions SA’s Peter Fulwood said the harvest has been completed across the State, except for a small area of bean crops in the Lower South East.

“Spraying for summer weed control continued from last month, but was limited by the hot, dry conditions, especially later in January,” Mr Fulwood said.

Paddock feed and surface cover is generally satisfactory, although supplementary feeding is likely to commence in the next few weeks in some districts.

However, there was some good news for farmers – a drop in price for some fertilisers and chemicals.

“Significant falls in the price of fertilisers and some herbicides have been very welcome and helped boost morale, although some growers who bought fertiliser last year have missed out on the price drop,” he said.

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