The 2020-21 crop harvest has finished the second most lucrative crop on record in South Australia, reaching $2.5 billion in farm gate value from 9.14 million tonnes.
The latest State Government 'Crop and Pasture Report' shows the $2.5 billion farm gate value is only second to the 2010-11 $2.7 billion record value crop.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said the final production estimate for the 2020-21 growing season is 16 per cent above the long-term average.
"The 2020-21 harvest was a winner for the state's economy and much needed for our farmers following years of drought," Minister Basham said.
"It is a credit to our farming regions that continually produce bumper crops on marginal land with minimum rainfall.
"The second highest farm gate value on record in South Australia for the 2020-21 crop demonstrates the commitment by our farmers to produce the best they can with the cards they are dealt.
"The report found grain quality across the state was above average with more grain than average meeting premium grade specifications for wheat and barley.
"This season's crop at 4 million hectares sown was the seventh largest on record for area.
"Harvest composition largely reflected that of previous seasons with wheat being by far the largest by crop area (2.2 million hectares) and production (5 million tonnes), followed by barley, pulses and oilseeds which was up on the past five seasons."
The report found that while growth rates of pastures increased with the wetter spring conditions, pasture production was less than normal resulting in livestock being moved onto stubble in mixed farming (cereal/livestock) areas.
In pastoral areas the wet late winter/spring conditions improved feed and refilled water sources allowing restocking.
"Farmers are waiting anxiously for opening rains to get the 2021-22 season cropping program off to a good start.
"Farmers will have the opportunity to sow genetically modified canola seed in South Australia for the first time this Autumn following the removal of the 16-year moratorium on the state's mainland."
To read the full Crop and Pasture Report, visit pir.sa.gov.au/cropreport
