South Australia's 2019-20 grain harvest is being estimated at 6.2 million tonnes despite the challenges of drought and bushfires, according to the latest State Government Crop and Pasture Report.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone said the estimated total crop production is 23 per cent down on the 10-year average of eight million tonnes but slightly up on last season's 5.8 million tonnes.
"It is important to acknowledge the efforts of our farmers day in, day out contributing to the state's grain harvest and the economy," said Minister Whetstone.
"In terms of statewide average grain yield, at 1.62 tonnes per hectare, this year's crop is the fifth lowest since the year 2000.
"Despite the ongoing drought and catastrophic bushfires, it is a credit to our farmers to see the crop estimate remains steady at 6.22 million tonnes from 3.9 million hectares with a $1.8 billion farmgate value.
"Drought has impacted a large area of South Australia's grain production territory and recent bushfires burnt almost 270,000 hectares."
Most of the state's agricultural areas have recorded below average to very much below average rainfall with some pastoral areas observing their lowest December rainfall on record.
According to the report, some farmers were unable to harvest enough grain for next season's seed requirements in the worst affected areas, including parts of the Upper North, the eastern Mid North, Northern Murray Mallee, parts of the Western Eyre Peninsula and Eastern Eyre Peninsula.
"Varied cereal, oilseed and pulse crop yields were delivered across the state," said Minister Whetstone.
"While the report shows generally above average yields in the Lower South East and the western part of the Upper North, most areas of the state have produced below average yields.
"The tough seasonal conditions have led to livestock producers in most districts feeding hay to maintain their livestock in reasonable condition.
"The Marshall Liberal Government recently announced a $21 million drought support package to assist farmers through the current seasonal challenges."
The '2019-20 grain harvest' Crop and Pasture Report can be view at www.pir.sa.gov.au/cropreport
