The Hon. Clare Scriven, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development (SA), Media Release, 1 December 2022
South Australia’s 2022-23 harvest is set to break previous records of production levels and farm gate value, according to estimates in the latest South Australian Crop and Pasture Report.
The record high production estimate of 12.1 million tonnes, combined with high global grain prices means the farm gate value is estimated to come in at $4.4 billion, breaking last year’s previous record high value of $3.3 billion.
The report revealed an ideal finish to spring, with cool conditions, above average spring rain, and good soil moisture from a crop generally in good to excellent condition, has contributed to the record high production.
Crop harvest and hay baling has been delayed by the late spring storms and rain in October and November, with reports of crop damage in some districts, and weather-related grain quality issues. High canola prices have resulted in increased canola area at the expense of barley, and the decline in pea area continued to a record low this year.
Harvest progress is considerably behind compared to average years but with favourable weather, there is expected to be significant tonnage delivered into stores from late November.
Harvest is expected to continue into the new year in many districts. Recovery from previous summer floods continues, with repair to roads and restitution of damaged paddocks expected to take time.
Livestock are in good to excellent condition, and spring pasture feed availability is above average. Grain reserves are sufficient to cover feed requirements, but rain spoilage of new cut hay is widespread with quality less than average.
The South Australian Crop and Pasture Report Spring Growth 2022 is now available at www.pir.sa.gov.au/cropreport
Quotes attributable Clare Scriven:
I’m pleased to report that our harvest output is expected to be higher than ever. The 2022-23 harvest is estimated to be 12.1 million tonnes, well above the previous record of 11.1 million tonnes from the 2016-17 crop.
Even allowing for some downgrades of the grain quality due to weather damage, high global grain prices mean the harvest also has a record high farm gate value.
The current estimate of $4.4 billion is expected to bring home over a billion dollars more than the previous record of $3.3 billion.
This is fantastic news for our farmers as well as South Australia’s economy.
Quotes attributable to Brad Perry, Grain Producers SA Chief Executive Officer:
Despite challenging conditions at times during the season, it is pleasing to see PIRSA’s latest Crop and Pasture Report is predicting record yields and value this harvest, making the grain industry in South Australia an even more significant contributor to the State’s economy.
Additionally, the consistent rainfall over recent months has provided strong sub-soil moisture, so we anticipate this will set grain producers up for a great start to next season as well.
