First Riverina producers were hit by a run of unrelenting frosts and this was followed up by a prolonged dry stretch. Some primary producers received much-needed rain last week but there are others who say it wasn’t enough to get winter crops over the line and to harvest. And there was more rain forecast this week but agronomists were concerned it might not be enough.

WEEKLY RAIN:

According to the Australian Crop Report released by Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) yields were on a downward spiral. 

ABARES executive director, Steve Hatfield-Dodds, said unfortunately in NSW crop conditions had deteriorated. “Overall, we expect the December 2017 forecast for Australia’s winter crop production in Australia will be lower than the September 2017 forecast, but likely still around the 10 year average to 2015–16.” Rural Bank’s Australian Annual Crop Review estimates yields will be 30 per cent lower than last season’s record. 

“Despite a drier than normal winter and below average production levels now expected in many regions, rainfall in July and August had salvaged some potential,” Rural Bank agribusiness general manager, Andrew Smith said. National wheat, barley and canola production is all forecast to be significantly lower than last season, with decreases of 35 per cent, 37 per cent and 16 per cent respectively,  expected.

Meanwhile, herd rebuilding also hinges on an improved seasonal outlook. Meat and Livestock Australia’s market intelligence manager Scott Tolmie said the main impact of the poor season has been the downward trajectory of prices, largely caused by reduced restocker demand.