A lack of rainfall and dry conditions across the state have delayed sowing operations for the beginning of the 2021-22 season, according to the latest Crop and Pasture Report.
The report, focused on crop seeding intentions for 2021-22, found that farmers intending to have a larger crop commenced dry seeding during April. Due to the lack of autumn rain combined with the big crop harvest last year, soil moisture levels were well below average.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said farmers remain optimistic despite the dry start to the 2021-22 cropping season.
"We saw some useful opening rains last week, but farmers had either delayed sowing or had commenced their cropping program by dry seeding," Minister Basham said.
"Up until March rainfall was average in most areas while some parts of the mid and upper north reported below average falls.
"This dry trend continued with below average falls across most of the state in April and early May.
"While last week's rain has been variable, some cropping areas particularly those in the west and central cropping districts, recorded falls ranging between 10 to 30 millimetres allowing seeding to proceed.
"The report highlights that cropping outcomes will likely be more dependent on winter-spring rains and further rain delays could also determine if intended areas of canola and pulses are swapped for cereal crops.
"According to the report, indications are the area to be sown for wheat is unlikely to change significantly from the 2020-21 crop.
"The area sown for export hay is likely to be significantly reduced due to a fall in demand.
"A majority of livestock are in good condition the report found, but in most districts, farmers have resumed supplementary feeding as last season's crop stubbles have now exhausted their feed value. Some districts have also reported sowing new pasture areas suggesting some growers are contemplating increasing livestock levels in their operations.
"Grain prices have softened on last year in the early part of the 2020-21 season, with the exception of lentils and to a lesser extent canola.
"Compared to the eastern states, mice numbers are relatively low in most areas of the state. On Kangaroo Island, the Yorke Peninsula and parts of the northern agricultural districts, paddocks experiencing some mice activity are being baited before sowing."
The next report in mid-winter will include the first estimate of crop area and production for 2021-22.
For further information and to view the full report, visit www.pir.sa.gov.au/cropreport.
