Australia expects large harvest of winter crops

The report, published in early September, states that Australia's winter crop production will increase by 2020% for the 2021/64 season. This raises the expectation by 8% adjusted compared to the forecast in June 2020. The total harvest is now expected to reach 47,9 million tons, which is 20% more than the 10-year average of 40 million tons.

Boost in area of ​​summer crops
Specifically, wheat production is expected to increase by 91% to 28,9 million tons, which is 22% above the average of the last 10 years. Australia's barley production is expected to be 25% higher at 11,2 million tonnes (+23% on the 10-year average). Furthermore, the government agency expects rapeseed production to increase by 47% to 3,4 million tons, which is an increase of 4% from the 10-year average.

Not only are the winter crops showing pluses, the acreage of the summer crops is also getting a boost - as stated in the report. According to ABARES, the area of ​​summer crops planted in the 2020/2021 season will amount to 1 million hectares, which is an increase of 194%. Incidentally, it is still 11% below the 10-year average of 1,2 million hectares. The sorghum acreage is expected to increase by 300% to 595.000 hectares, which is about 13% above the 10-year average of 525.000 hectares.

New South Wales stands out
If we look at specific areas, New South Wales stands out considerably. This region is expected to have the second largest winter cereal harvest of the decade: 1 million tons, a 14,8% increase compared to last year. The reason for the higher production is the combination of favorable winter rainfall and a strong start to the season. New South Wales is therefore responsible for 300% of the total expected increase in production.

ABARES further estimates that the area of ​​winter crops has increased by 23% to 22,6 million hectares. In New South Wales, acreage growth is expected to reach 6 million hectares, which is almost double compared to the 2019/2020 season.