Mixed fortunes for state’s farmers with one district setting yield record and others hard hit by drought
SOUTH Australia had its smallest harvest in a decade last season, producing 5.6 million tonnes, but the value of the crop was more than 10 per cent higher than the previous year on the back of high prices.
Jobs SA
Don't miss out on the headlines from Jobs SA. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Drought, frost and wind have been blamed on South Australia recording its lowest grain harvest in a decade last season but higher prices have lifted the value of the crop by more than 10 per cent on the previous year.
PIRSA’s final crop and pasture report shows SA grain growers produced 5.6 million tonnes last season, down from the 10-year average of 7.9 million.
The farmgate value of the last grain harvest is estimated to be $1.9 billion, with an additional $300 million in hay production.
The lower Eyre Peninsula set a new record production for the district of 1.1 million tonnes, or an average of close to three tonnes a hectare.
The western and eastern Eyre Peninsula averaged just over one tonne a hectare. The lower South-East and Yorke Peninsula both enjoyed relatively good seasons, averaging about three tonnes a hectare and two-and-a-half tonnes a hectare respectively.
But it was the northern Mallee that was the hardest hit, averaging little more than half a tonne a hectare.
Rural Directions agronomic consultant Richard Saunders said the Mallee’s hardest hit areas were Wunkar, through to Waikerie and Blanchetown.
“Some of those areas had 150mm less than their usual average rainfall last season,” he said.
Mr Saunders said the saving grace last season were prices, especially barley reaching $420 a tonne early in the harvest.
SA Primary Industries Minister Tim Whetstone said it was important to acknowledge grain farmers’ efforts this past season.
“Grain yields were well below the 10-year long-term average of 7.9 million tonnes due not only the drought but frost and wind events with large areas of suspect frost-damaged crop cut for hay,” he said.
“Grain quality across the state varied considerably, but overall more wheat than normal was graded as premium due to high protein, and we produced more malting barley than normal.
“Both cattle and sheep producers have reduced livestock numbers.”
Holden staff will drive shipbuilding design work
Defence and GM officials have held talks on retraining Holden engineers to move to the Osborne shipyard, when the car brand ends next year.
French lock in Aussie jobs target
The builder of our future submarines has pledged that Australian companies will be their first port of call and clarified the percentage of local spending.