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A lack of spring rainfall across Victoria, South Australia and southern New South Wales has resulted in a marked deterioration in the major winter crops. “These developments have prompted ABARE to revise down its forecasts for Australian wheat, barley and canola production in 2008-09,” Mr Philip Glyde, Executive Director of ABARE said today.
“Australian wheat production in 2008-09 is now forecast to be 19.9 million tonnes, some 11 per cent less than forecast in September,” Mr Glyde said. Mr Glyde added that, ”despite the poor spring in some areas total wheat production is forecast to be around 7 million tonnes above last year’s drought affected harvest”.
Rainfall in the critical September and October months was well below average in Victoria, resulting in widespread crop failures. Wheat production in Victoria is now forecast to be 1.4 million tonnes in 2008-09, compared with ABARE’s September forecast of 2.7 million tonnes and last season’s harvest of 1.9 million tonnes.
Mr Glyde noted that, “rainfall in parts of South Australia was also below average in September and October”. While winter crop prospects have deteriorated in South Australia there is extreme variability in yield potential across the state. Wheat production is forecast to be 2.3 million tonnes in 2008-09, 1.1 million tonnes below the September forecast and similar to last year’s harvest.
The condition of winter crops in New South Wales varies considerably across the state. Mr Glyde noted ”the north of the state and most of the central west are expecting average to above average yields, whereas crops in western areas of the state and much of the south are in poor condition”. Mr Glyde added that, “as a result, New South Wales’ wheat production is forecast to be similar to the September figure of around 6.6 million tonnes, with the effect of poor conditions in the south being offset by better conditions in the north and central west”.
Late frost across parts of the Western Australia grains belt may affect grain quality and has resulted in some crop losses. Despite this setback, a forecast wheat crop of around 7.8 million tonnes is 1.7 million tonnes better than last year’s outcome. Harvest has commenced in Queensland and the quality and quantity of grain is better than originally anticipated. Australian barley production is forecast to be 6.3 million tonnes in 2008-09, a 20 per cent decline from ABARE’s September forecast. Canola production is forecast to be 1.3 million tonnes in 2008-09, a decline of nearly 320 000 tonnes from the September forecast.
“Australian wheat production in 2008-09 is now forecast to be 19.9 million tonnes, some 11 per cent less than forecast in September,” Mr Glyde said. Mr Glyde added that, ”despite the poor spring in some areas total wheat production is forecast to be around 7 million tonnes above last year’s drought affected harvest”.
Rainfall in the critical September and October months was well below average in Victoria, resulting in widespread crop failures. Wheat production in Victoria is now forecast to be 1.4 million tonnes in 2008-09, compared with ABARE’s September forecast of 2.7 million tonnes and last season’s harvest of 1.9 million tonnes.
Mr Glyde noted that, “rainfall in parts of South Australia was also below average in September and October”. While winter crop prospects have deteriorated in South Australia there is extreme variability in yield potential across the state. Wheat production is forecast to be 2.3 million tonnes in 2008-09, 1.1 million tonnes below the September forecast and similar to last year’s harvest.
The condition of winter crops in New South Wales varies considerably across the state. Mr Glyde noted ”the north of the state and most of the central west are expecting average to above average yields, whereas crops in western areas of the state and much of the south are in poor condition”. Mr Glyde added that, “as a result, New South Wales’ wheat production is forecast to be similar to the September figure of around 6.6 million tonnes, with the effect of poor conditions in the south being offset by better conditions in the north and central west”.
Late frost across parts of the Western Australia grains belt may affect grain quality and has resulted in some crop losses. Despite this setback, a forecast wheat crop of around 7.8 million tonnes is 1.7 million tonnes better than last year’s outcome. Harvest has commenced in Queensland and the quality and quantity of grain is better than originally anticipated. Australian barley production is forecast to be 6.3 million tonnes in 2008-09, a 20 per cent decline from ABARE’s September forecast. Canola production is forecast to be 1.3 million tonnes in 2008-09, a decline of nearly 320 000 tonnes from the September forecast.
1 comment:
And this is what you have to look forward to when you buy hay from Victoria or NSW - contamination. You cannot deny that this is a purposeful contamination by Monsanto who will be checking your crop if you buy hay from these two states, for GM and then you will be registered and have to pay and buy from Monsanto for the rest of your farming life. Do not be complacent. This is purposeful.
Monsanto monitors GM canola cut for hay
http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/200811/s2409830.htm
Tuesday, 04/11/2008
Bio-technology company Monsanto is tracking the details of buyers who buy hay containing GM canola.
However, the company has played down fears that GM canola seeds will escape into the wild.
Some farmers in New South Wales and Victoria have had to harvest their GM canola crops for hay or silage after a disappointing season.
That hay may be sent to GM free zones, potentially contaminating the area.
Canola Business Lead at Monsanto Australia, Tony May, says growers need to let Monsanto know if they cut for hay.
"We require growers to give us the details of where they're selling the hay to," he says.
"The focus is making sure both parties are communicating," he says, about potential privacy issues of Monsanto knowing the details of buyers.
"If people don't want GM canola on their farms, it comes through the buyer declaration process."
During the debate on GM canola, governments assured people there would be segregation between GM and non-GM crops.
Mr May denies there's been a breakdown in segregation: "There's still market choice. The grains industry has communicated it can cater for both GM and non-GM in the market place. It'll work though a system of declarations."
Fears hay-cutting will lead to escape of GM canola
http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/200811/s2408420.htm
Monday, 03/11/2008
There are worries that the hay from genetically modified canola may contain seeds that will escape and grow.
A lack of rain has forced some farmers to cut their crops, instead of harvesting for oilseeds.
Fodder dealers may purchase the hay and then sell it to farmers who are unaware where the product came from.
Alex Schaap, general manager of biosecurity at the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, says he didn't expect segregation issues in the first year of GM canola in NSW and Victoria.
"If hay is exported, that hay may carry viable seeds. It would cause problems for maintaining GM freedom," he says.
"It's a bit early to say how much of a problem it will be, but it's something extra for us to look out for at the quarantine barrier."
Monsanto, which developed the GM canola seed, says it tracks the sales of canola hay from farmer to buyer.
Concerned
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