Another bumper grain crop expected for Australia

Grain growers could be in for another bumper production year. Here’s what wheat levels are anticipated to reach for 2021-22.

Positive signs: IKON Commodities expects that 2021-22 Australian wheat production should hit 28.51 million tonnes. Picture: Zoe Phillips

GRAIN  growers could produce yet another near-record crop this year with subsoil moisture levels sitting at “promising levels” ahead of sowing.

This comes after predictions from IKON Commodities that the coming 2021-22 Australian wheat production should hit 28.51 million tonnes.

That figure remains under last season’s 34.78 million tonnes, but above the 10-year average of 24.52 million tonnes.

“Expectations at this stage, prior to planting, is the area will not be far off last year’s area, which produced a record wheat crop,” IKON Com­modities’ Dinar Izmagilov said.

“At the current stage we would also expect the yields to come in above average, based on the moisture levels, with potential further upside if the season stays promising.”

Soil moisture in NSW is at similar levels to last year, Mr Izmagilov said, with some areas in an even better position.

“Production for NSW is expected to be close to 10 million tonnes, but this could end up being higher if the season continues to be favourable,” he said.

“NSW is looking really good.”

For Victoria, the state has had a dry few months, however growers received some decent rainfall in January, Mr Izmagilov said.

“This was followed by a relatively dry month in February, but we think the planting area will be slightly higher than last season and well above the long-term average,” he said.

Victorian Farmers Federation grains president Ash Fraser said most growers in the state were looking for the next shower ahead of sowing commencing.

“We had widespread rain following Australia Day which was reasonable and crops had a good germination result and growers had the opportunity there to double knock weeds,” Mr Fraser said.

He said growers across the state were in a similar position to last year’s ideal conditions at sowing time.

“People are now looking for that next drop of rain prior to sowing, and fingers crossed for another bumper year.”

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