Crop and Pasture Report 2014-15 CROP PERFORMANCE SUMMARY AND FINAL CROP ESTIMATES MARCH 2015

Crop and Pasture Report - South Australia This is a bimonthly report prepared by Rural Solutions SA, for the Agriculture, Food and Wine Division of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA).

Information current as of 6 March, 2015.

© Government of South Australia 2015.

ALL ENQUIRIES

Dave Lewis Agribusiness Account Manager, Grains Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) GPO Box 1671, SA 5001 Telephone +61 8 8463 6696 Email [email protected]

DISCLAIMER

PIRSA and its employees do not warrant or make any representation regarding the use, or results of the use, of the information contained herein as regards to its correctness, accuracy, reliability and currency or otherwise. PIRSA and its employees expressly disclaim all liability or responsibility to any person using the information or advice.

SEPTEMBERMARCH 2015 CROP AND PASTURE REPORT SOUTH AUSTRALIA PAGE 2 Table of Contents

State Summary 4

Crop Estimates 6

District Reports 9 Western 9 Lower Eyre Peninsula 10 Eastern Eyre Peninsula 11 Upper North 12 Mid North 13 Lower North 14 15 , & Kangaroo Island 16 Lower Murray 17 Northern Murray Mallee 18 Southern Murray Mallee 19 Upper South East 20 Lower South East 21

SEPTEMBERMARCH 2015 CROP AND PASTURE REPORT SOUTH AUSTRALIA PAGE 3 State Summary

WEATHER

• Rainfall for January 2015 ranged from average on Western Eyre Peninsula and Kangaroo Island to very much above average in the eastern part of the State. An area in the Northern Murray Mallee around Karoonda (94 mm) and Mindarie (80 mm) received its highest January rainfall on record. • February 2015 rainfall was below to very much below average across the agricultural districts. • Mean maximum temperatures for January 2015 were below average north of a line from Lock (Eyre Peninsula) through to Clare and Renmark and generally average south of this line. • Mean maximum temperatures were very much above average in all districts during February 2105. • Widespread rains brought heavy falls to parts of the State in the first and second week of January 2015.

CROPS

• Harvest was completed across all districts by the end of January 2015 with some delays on Kangaroo Island and the South East due to rain. • Yields and quality have generally been above farmers’ expectations at the start of harvest. • Canola yields were well below expectation, with yields well below average in most districts. The quality (oil content) was variable. • A good germination of volunteer crops and summer weeds occurred in most districts and large areas were sprayed to conserve soil moisture and nitrogen. • Although some cultivation occurred, mainly in the Upper North following the rain, it was far less than in previous seasons after similar rainfall events. • The poor price outlook for canola combined with low yields and poor returns in 2014 will see a decrease in area sown to canola in 2015 in almost all districts of the State. • The area sown to wheat is likely to increase in a number of districts and remain stable in others. • The area sown to barley may increase in some districts but decline in others. • There is only likely to be a small increase in the area sown to pulses. • There has been an increase in mice activity in some districts and farmers in these areas are closely monitoring numbers to determine if baiting will be necessary before seeding.

PASTURES

• The quality and quantity of stubble feed has been good, although the heavy rain in January 2015 has diminished the quality of dry stubbles. • The germination of volunteer crops and summer weeds following the January 2015 rain has provided good quality feed in many parts of the State. • Areas of perennial pasture responded well to the January 2015 rain, producing some useful, quality feed. • There is likely to be an increase in the area sown to pasture in many districts as returns from livestock remain high.

• In the Central Hills and Kangaroo Island, perennial pasture productivity has been poor due to the dry spring and only moderate summer rainfall.

SEPTEMBERMARCH 2015 CROP AND PASTURE REPORT SOUTH AUSTRALIA PAGE 4 • In the South East most stubbles and pastures have been utilised and producers are heavily supplementary feeding. • Many producers in the Central Hills, Kangaroo Island and South East have reduced stock numbers to ensure adequate feed for stock remaining.

KEY LINKS TO OTHER INFORMATION Department for Environment, Water and Natural Resources - Soil and Land Condition monitoring: www.environment.sa.gov.au/Knowledge_Bank/Science_research/Monitoring_evaluation_analysis/Monitori ng/Soil_and_land_condition Bureau of Meteorology - Weather and rainfall observations: www.bom.gov.au

NOTES ON CALCULATION OF CROP ESTIMATES Crop estimates for the current year assume average rainfall and temperature conditions for the remainder of the growing season. Grain estimates are for total grain production and include grain delivered for immediate sale and warehousing plus grain retained on farm for seed, feed and future sale. Hay estimates are for total hay production and include all pasture, cereal and other crops cut for hay, both dry-land and irrigated. The estimates are based on information provided by Rural Solutions SA District Reporters from a variety of sources and are updated throughout the season as conditions change and further information becomes available. They are intended to provide an indication of crop potential at the time the report is prepared. The estimates are updated using ABS census data as available.

SEPTEMBERMARCH 2015 CROP AND PASTURE REPORT SOUTH AUSTRALIA PAGE 5 Crop Estimates

TABLE 1 CROP ESTIMATES BY DISTRICT

Western Lower Eastern Eyre Eyre Eyre Yorke Upper Mid Lower Kangaroo Peninsula Peninsula Peninsula Peninsula North North North Island

Wheat ha 475 000 140 000 392 000 175 000 240 000 235 500 51 500 5 500 t 926 000 378 000 725 000 588 000 444 000 635 000 168 000 14 500

Durum ha 0 0 0 18 000 9 000 9 000 5 500 0 t 0 0 0 50 000 16 000 22 500 16 000 0

Barley ha 64 000 60 000 71 000 160 000 94 000 85 000 29 000 1 500 t 125 000 171 000 138 000 544 000 188 000 245 000 99 000 4 000

Oats ha 16 500 3 200 6 000 4 000 4 500 5 000 1 500 3 300 t 22 500 7 000 8 500 9 000 6 000 10 500 3 300 8 200

Rye ha 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 t 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Triticale ha 400 500 500 1 000 1 500 1 700 500 0 t 650 1 250 800 3 000 2 500 4 500 1 300 0

Peas ha 4 000 4 500 5 000 18 000 25 000 20 000 6 700 400 t 3 500 5 500 3 000 27 000 25 000 27 000 10 500 600

Lupins ha 1 200 19 000 4 500 1 000 3 000 1 800 500 1 000 t 1 000 28 500 5 000 1 300 3 300 2 100 750 1 600

Beans ha 0 4 000 200 12 500 6 500 13 500 6 000 600 t 0 5 000 200 20 000 6 500 20 000 8 500 1 100

Chickpeas ha 0 200 200 8 500 3 200 5 000 1 000 0 t 0 250 100 9 500 3 200 4 500 1 200 0

Lentils ha 0 2 000 0 78 000 4 000 12 000 6 000 0 t 0 3 000 0 117 000 4 400 15 500 9 000 0

Vetch ha 800 1 800 800 2 000 5 500 5 000 300 0 t 400 1 500 500 1 500 1 600 2 500 300 0

Canola ha 8 000 79 000 12 500 30 000 27 000 53 000 10 500 3 200 t 9 500 79 000 11 000 33 500 22 000 58 000 13 500 5 200

Hay ha 4 500 3 500 2 500 19 000 22 000 34 000 6 000 4 300 (not in total) t 11 500 14 000 7 500 95 000 78 000 142 000 30 000 17 000

Total ha 569 900 314 200 492 700 508 000 423 200 446 500 119 000 15 500 t 1 088 550 680 000 892 100 1 403 800 722 500 1 047 100 331 350 35 200

SEPTEMBERMARCH 2015 CROP AND PASTURE REPORT SOUTH AUSTRALIA PAGE 6 TABLE 1 CROP ESTIMATES BY DISTRICT (CONT)

Central Hills Lower Nth Murray Sth Murray Upper Lower State Total & Fleurieu Murray Mallee Mallee South East South East

Wheat ha 5 500 69 000 245 000 123 000 59 000 20 000 2 236 000 t 13 000 124 000 318 500 178 000 95 000 65 000 4 672 000

Durum ha 300 500 0 0 9 000 0 51 300 t 500 750 0 0 12 500 0 118 250

Barley ha 9 000 56 000 51 000 86 000 32 000 5 500 804 000 t 22 500 107 000 76 500 129 000 55 000 18 000 1 922 000

Oats ha 1 800 3 000 4 000 3 000 13 500 4 000 73 300 t 3 600 3 600 5 000 5 000 19 000 9 500 120 700

Rye ha 0 2 000 4 000 2 500 500 0 9 000 t 0 2 400 3 600 3 000 300 0 9 300

Triticale ha 500 4 000 6 000 8 000 2 000 500 27 100 t 1 200 6 000 7 200 12 000 2 500 1 400 44 300

Peas ha 1 500 4 500 2 000 3 000 3 000 400 98 000 t 2 400 4 000 600 1 800 3 000 700 114 600

Lupins ha 1 300 2 000 2 400 10 000 14 000 3 000 64 700 t 2 200 1 800 1 200 8 000 11 000 4 500 72 250

Beans ha 400 200 0 1 200 11 500 9 000 65 600 t 700 200 0 1 200 12 500 18 000 93 900

Chickpeas ha 0 0 600 600 200 200 19 700 t 0 0 500 600 150 250 20 250

Lentils ha 0 0 400 600 3 000 200 106 200 t 0 0 200 500 2 500 250 152 350

Vetch ha 0 600 1 800 4 200 400 0 23 200 t 0 200 1 400 3 000 250 0 13 150

Canola ha 5 000 8 000 22 000 11 000 35 000 17 000 321 200 t 8 000 4 800 7 700 6 600 26 000 29 000 313 800

Hay ha 17 000 7 200 2 500 10 000 54 000 25 000 211 500 (not in total) t 50 000 25 000 5 000 25 000 163 000 100 000 763 000

Total ha 25 300 149 800 339 200 253 100 183 100 59 800 3 899 300 t 54 100 254 750 422 400 348 700 239 700 146 600 7 666 850

SEPTEMBERMARCH 2015 CROP AND PASTURE REPORT SOUTH AUSTRALIA PAGE 7 TABLE 2 CROP ESTIMATES AGAINST FIVE YEAR AVERAGE

2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 5 year ave 2014/15

Wheat ha 2 111 100 2 237 100 2 226 100 2 176 300 2 295 900 2 209 300 2 236 000 t 4 032 500 5 818 500 4 444 800 3 556 500 4 976 000 4 565 700 4 672 000

Durum ha 60 000 69 800 74 600 77 200 68 300 70 000 51 300 t 157 200 240 600 223 950 181 240 194 930 199 600 118 250

Barley ha 1 152 300 965 200 987 700 907 100 854 900 973 400 804 000 t 2 544 100 2 839 100 2 031 800 1 912 900 2 093 500 2 284 300 1 922 000

Oats ha 79 700 75 300 75 800 85 800 85 000 80 300 73 300 t 136 600 152 300 117 400 128 740 159 700 138 900 120 700

Rye ha 9 400 9 500 9 500 9 500 7 100 9 000 9 000 t 8 200 11 600 7 900 7 500 6 350 8 300 9 300

Triticale ha 85 900 85 700 80 200 69 200 49 300 74 100 27 100 t 117 700 167 100 117 500 95 920 86 500 116 900 44 300

Peas ha 127 700 126 300 109 900 103 700 106 100 114 700 98 000 t 181 150 238 500 144 400 116 100 143 250 164 700 114 600

Lupins ha 66 500 64 900 64 900 63 200 69 300 65 800 64 700 t 97 200 120 100 78 900 75 110 105 500 95 400 72 250

Beans ha 71 200 71 500 72 200 69 400 69 000 70 700 65 600 t 144 350 168 600 121 220 105 510 139 400 135 800 93 900

Chickpeas ha 13 200 10 700 12 200 19 700 20 700 15 300 19 700 t 17 150 16 000 19 550 21 810 29 280 20 800 20 250

Lentils ha 52 100 97 700 106 100 88 800 94 800 87 900 106 200 t 89 450 174 350 181 600 97 720 163 350 141 300 152 350

Vetch ha 12 900 12 800 13 100 13 100 17 000 13 800 23 200 t 10 650 12 900 11 120 6 800 14 320 11 200 13 150

Canola ha 182 700 196 500 269 500 302 700 301 000 250 500 321 200 t 297 100 381 700 435 700 398 700 434 400 389 500 313 800

Hay ha 274 100 244 200 201 500 204 500 227 300 230 300 211 500 (not in total) t 1 004 000 1 066 000 774 400 769 000 1 018 100 926 300 763 000

Total ha 4 024 700 4 023 000 4 101 800 3 985 700 4 038 400 4 034 700 3 899 300 t 7 833 350 10 341 350 7 935 840 6 704 550 8 546 480 8 272 300 7 666 900

SEPTEMBERMARCH 2015 CROP AND PASTURE REPORT SOUTH AUSTRALIA PAGE 8 District Reports Western Eyre Peninsula WEATHER

• Rainfall for January was average in most of the district with only the southern part receiving above average rainfall. Most of the rain resulted from an infeed of tropical moisture in the first week of the month. • February was very dry with below average rainfall across most of the district. • Mean maximum temperatures were below average in January and above to very much above average in February. CROPS

• Most farmers have sprayed to control the summer weeds that germinated following the January rains. • Farmers consider it important to control summer weeds to “break the green bridge” given the issues with high aphid numbers, Beet Western Yellow virus and diamond back moth in 2014. • Dry conditions have limited the amount of soil nitrogen (N) mineralised. • Many farmers are deep soil testing to measure the amount of stored soil N available for crop growth in the coming season given uncertainty about the amount of soil nitrogen mineralised during the dry spring and summer. • Disappointing yields and poor returns for canola in 2014 could see a reduced area sown this season with a corresponding increased area of wheat. • There are reports of farmers considering sowing larger areas of medic and vetch pasture as a legume break option this season. • Relatively few very hot days have limited the opportunities for control of snail numbers by chaining and rolling stubbles. • Dry conditions have concentrated snails in header windrows and farmers are hoping to control numbers by burning the windrows before populations disperse. • Farmers are using prickle chains to break down stubbles to reduce habitat for mice and snails. • Mice numbers have increased since harvest with large numbers around sheds and increased numbers in paddocks. Many farmers are preparing to bait prior to seeding to reduce numbers if required.

PASTURES

• The amount of paddock feed has diminished over this period with many producers supplementary feeding stock. The lack of summer rain has maintained feed quality in stubble paddocks. • Farmers are looking for an early break to sow low-input cereals for early livestock feed. • Most farmers have adequate supplies of supplementary feed stored on farm and livestock are in excellent condition.

SEPTEMBERMARCH 2015 CROP AND PASTURE REPORT SOUTH AUSTRALIA PAGE 9 Lower Eyre Peninsula WEATHER

• Rainfall for January varied from average along the western and southern coasts to very much above average in the Cummins / Karkoo area. • February rainfall was below average across the district with no rainfall recorded in some areas. • Mean maximum temperatures were average in January and very much above average in February. • Night temperatures were generally cool to mild. CROPS

• Dry conditions throughout January and February generally limited summer weed growth reducing the need for summer herbicide applications. • A number of farmers are sampling paddocks to assess deep nitrogen levels. • An increase is expected in the number of paddocks sown to consecutive wheat crops due to generally low disease levels in 2014, and better gross margins for wheat than barley. • Farmers are applying lime and gypsum to paddocks where required ahead of this season’s crop. • Clay spreading and delving activities have been undertaken on sand over clay soils during this period. • Although farmers are waiting for early rains before making final decisions, crop areas are not expected to alter significantly from last year. • Generally mild conditions have limited the opportunities for controlling snails by rolling and chaining stubbles. Many farmers are preparing to bait paddocks, particularly those to be sown to canola. • Mice numbers are generally low. PASTURES

• There has been little growth of summer weeds and volunteer cereals to supplement paddock feed supplies. • Stubble paddocks still contain adequate levels of high quality feed. • Some producers are supplementary feeding livestock on pasture paddocks south of Edilillie. • Livestock are in excellent condition.

SEPTEMBERMARCH 2015 CROP AND PASTURE REPORT SOUTH AUSTRALIA PAGE 10 Eastern Eyre Peninsula WEATHER

• Totals of up to 50mm of rain were received in falls to central and eastern Eyre districts in the first two weeks of January, resulting in above, to very much above average rainfall for the month. • February was generally dry with below to very much below average rainfall. • Mean maximum temperatures were generally below average in January and very much above average in February.

CROPS

• Some land in the Eastern Cleve Hills and Franklin Harbor districts was cultivated to control weeds following the January rains. • Most farmers sprayed the summer weeds that germinated on this rainfall event to conserve moisture and break the “green bridge” for pest and disease management. • Clay spreading and delving activities have been undertaken on the sand over clay soils in Central Eyre districts. • Gypsum is being spread on farms in the Cleve Hills to supply sulphur to this season’s canola crops. • Many farmers are using deep soil testing to determine the potential crop-available nitrogen in the soil. • On heavier soils that are capable of storing moisture from the early rains, many producers are keen to sow low-input cereals for livestock feed. • Most farmers are waiting on further rains before making decisions on crop area. • Poor yields and returns on canola crops in 2014 may see a reduction in the area sown to canola with a corresponding increased area of wheat. • More farmers are considering a medic or vetch pasture as a break crop for pest and disease management. • Snail numbers are generally low. • Farmers are reporting increased mice numbers in paddocks and around sheds. Many farmers are preparing to bait if required at seeding.

PASTURES

• Stubble paddocks contain a large amount of feed, but quality has been degraded with the heavy rain and humid conditions in January in some areas of the district. Pasture paddocks on heavier soil types around Buckleboo, Franklin Harbour and the Eastern Cleve Hills have low levels of feed with some farmers providing supplementary feed to stock. • Livestock are in excellent condition and most farmers have adequate supplies of feed grain and hay stored on farm. • Areas of perennial pasture responded well to the January rain, producing useful, quality feed.

SEPTEMBERMARCH 2015 CROP AND PASTURE REPORT SOUTH AUSTRALIA PAGE 11 Upper North WEATHER

• Rainfall was above to very much above average for January and below average for February. • Widespread rain in early January brought heavy falls to most of the district with isolated recordings of 150 mm or more. • Mean maximum temperatures were below average for January and very much above average for February. CROPS

• Heavy rain in early January resulted in widespread germination of volunteer crops and summer weeds. • Following the rain, some farmers (particularly in the northern part of the district) cultivated difficult to control weeds. • The area mechanically fallowed following the rain was significantly lower than after similar rainfall events in previous seasons. • Many of these cultivated areas have required re-working or spraying to control further weed germinations. • Large areas have been successfully sprayed to control volunteer crops and summer weeds and conserve moisture and nutrients, particularly in more intensively cropped areas. • Farmers with livestock have used a combination of spraying and grazing to control volunteer cereals and summer weeds with moderate success. • Where weeds were not controlled early, the hot dry conditions made spraying difficult in mid to late February. • The area sown to canola this season is likely to be reduced by 10 to 20% with an increase in the area of barley, peas, beans and oaten hay. • Mice numbers have begun to build-up around sheds with some activity also reported in paddocks. Farmers will need to monitor numbers over the next few months. • Some locust activity was reported north of Hawker in mid-February, which was followed-up by PIRSA with only low to moderate numbers in isolated areas observed. Currently there are no local populations of concern but numbers are high in south west Queensland. PASTURES

• The heavy rain in early January reduced the quality of dry pasture feed and stubbles but germination of volunteer crops and summer weeds has provided good quality feed. • Lucerne pastures responded well to the rain with excellent growth. • Native perennial species, including native grasses, grew rapidly and have set seed where they were ungrazed or only lightly grazed. • Producers have commenced supplementary feeding of pregnant ewes.

SEPTEMBERMARCH 2015 CROP AND PASTURE REPORT SOUTH AUSTRALIA PAGE 12 Mid North WEATHER

• Rainfall for January was very much above average and below average for February. • Rainfall for January ranged from 31 mm at Blyth to 100 mm at Clare. • Mean maximum temperatures for January ranged from below average in the north to average in the south. February temperatures were very much above average across the district. CROPS

• The rains in early to mid-January resulted in the germination of volunteer crops and summer weeds across the district. • Most farmers sprayed the majority of their cropping paddocks to preserve soil moisture and nitrogen. • Summer spraying has resulted in some spray drift onto sensitive crops and there are increasing conflicts resulting from different land uses spreading into traditional cropping areas. • A number of farmers are carting and spreading gypsum (to improve soil condition and supply sulphur) and lime (to counteract soil acidity). • During the summer months farmers have been fencing, maintaining machinery and other activities. • Early indications are that farmers plan to reduce the area sown to canola and replace it with mainly barley and some pulses and pasture. PASTURES

• The quality and quantity of stubble feed has been good and livestock have gained weight. • Germination of volunteer crops following the January rain has also provided some good quality feed. • Farmers with livestock are planning to increase the area sown to pasture to improve feed supply and ensure rapid growth of stock to maximise sale prices. • Pastures are increasingly being regarded as a lower risk option given reliable livestock returns compared to other break crops. .

SEPTEMBERMARCH 2015 CROP AND PASTURE REPORT SOUTH AUSTRALIA PAGE 13 Lower North WEATHER

• Rainfall was very much above average during January and below average for February. • Rainfall for January ranged from 58 mm at Roseworthy to 45 mm at . • Mean maximum temperatures were average in January and very much above average during February. CROPS

• Following the rain in January, cereals germinated in many crop paddocks. • Most of the larger, more intensive croppers sprayed paddocks in late January and early February. • Farmers with livestock delayed spraying and used livestock to control volunteers and summer weeds where possible. • Large amounts of cereal straw have been cut and baled over a wide area of the district. • Many producers cut the straw with a windrower and employ baling contractors. There are good markets in the poultry industry, export markets and semi urban/rural use as mulch. • Although mice numbers are generally low there have been some reports of higher numbers and farmers will need to monitor paddocks before seeding. The rain in January germinated most of the spilt grain reducing their food source. • Early indications are for an increased area of wheat to be sown in 2015, with more wheat sown back onto wheat stubble. • The area sown to canola will be reduced by 10 to 20%, depending on seasonal conditions. • Many farmers are concerned that yields of canola crops have not increased significantly in the last 20 years, compared to rapid increases in wheat yields. PASTURES

• Livestock are performing well with excellent returns being achieved. • There are a number of farmers who buy stock after harvest and run them on their own properties as well as agisting them on neighbouring crop-only properties.

SEPTEMBERMARCH 2015 CROP AND PASTURE REPORT SOUTH AUSTRALIA PAGE 14 Yorke Peninsula WEATHER • Rainfall for January ranged from average in the south to very much above average in Central Yorke Peninsula. • February rainfall was below average in the north to very much below average in Central and Southern Yorke Peninsula. • The mean maximum temperature was average for January and very much above average for February. CROPS

• Final yields were better than expected across most of Yorke Peninsula with wheat and barley yields generally being above the 10 year average. • The majority of last season’s grain crop is now sold, due to good grain prices and increased silo storage fees. • Most wheat was classified as APW grade despite large amounts of nitrogen being applied. Wheat grown on medic and pulse crop stubbles tended to have higher protein levels and yield. • The area sown to canola is expected to be down in 2015 because of the combination of last year’s below average canola yields, risk of Beet Western Yellow Virus, high input costs and low forecast prices. • Pulse yields were generally average with earlier-sown paddocks and earlier-maturing varieties having a higher yield. • Farmers who stored lentils at harvest have received prices in excess of $1000/tonne. • Seed cleaning is well under way in preparation for the new season. • Weed germinations were sporadic following the January rainfall. • Most producers who received 30mm or more rain sprayed paddocks (mostly between Maitland and Minlaton). Those farmers who received less than 30mm (SYP and some areas of the NYP) did not get a sufficient weed germination to warrant spraying. • Weeds remaining in paddocks at the end of February were extremely stressed with minimal soil moisture remaining. • Mice numbers are starting to increase in small pockets across the district and farmers will soon need to bait in these areas if numbers continue to increase. • Snail control through cabling, slashing and rolling during hot days in January and February has effectively reduced numbers. Some stubble burning is expected prior to seeding to reduce high snail numbers in some paddocks. Minimal baiting has occurred due to the lack of rain. • The area sown to pulses and oaten hay is set to increase in preference to canola across the majority of the district. • The area sown to wheat is likely to remain stable, with a slight increase in barley and sown pastures. PASTURES

• The area of pasture will increase slightly due to weed issues and consistently good livestock returns. • Most stock are grazing stubbles with supplementary feeding common place. • Most producers have sold lambs and cull ewes and remaining livestock are in good condition, despite limited feed. • Volunteer crops and pastures that germinated following the January rains have now generally dried off.

SEPTEMBERMARCH 2015 CROP AND PASTURE REPORT SOUTH AUSTRALIA PAGE 15 Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula & Kangaroo Island WEATHER

• Rainfall was average to above average for January and below to very much below average for February. • Rainfall for the six months from 1 August 2014 to 31 January 2015 was very much below average across the entire region. • Mean maximum temperatures were average for January and very much above average for February. CROPS Central Hills/Fleurieu • Early sown crops yielded well and prices received were generally above those budgeted. • Later sown crops and/ or crops sown on shallow or sandy soils were much lower in yield and quality. • The area sown to canola is likely to decrease in the coming season due to increasing pest and disease problems and poor yields last year. There is likely to be an increase in the area sown to chickpeas, lentils, lupins and barley. • Rainfall in early to mid-January resulted in the germination of volunteer crops and summer weeds. Many paddocks intended for cropping this year were sprayed to control weeds. Kangaroo Island • Crop quality was slightly above average with cereal grain protein above average. Cereal yields were average, while other crops yielded below average due to the lack of spring rainfall. • The area sown to canola this year will be reduced, mainly due to prices received and the poor price outlook for the coming season. There is likely to be an increase in the area sown to cereals while the area sown to broad beans will remain similar to last year. • There has been negligible summer rainfall with no or only limited germination of summer weeds. • Stubbles are being grazed and significantly more cereal stubbles have been baled for livestock feed than normal. PASTURES Central Hills/Fleurieu • Pasture quantity levels are below average due to the poor spring and quality is declining rapidly. • Supplementary feeding of stock has commenced earlier than normal. • Producers are either selling or supplementary feeding stock at higher rates than normal. • Perennial pastures are declining in density and productivity due to below average winter-spring rains. Some paddocks will be re-sown but others will be replaced with annual pastures in case this run of unusual seasons is now the new “normal” pattern. • Livestock condition is good considering the poor pasture quality and quantity. Many properties have reduced numbers to manage this situation. Kangaroo Island • Pasture quantity and quality is below average due to the lack of spring rains. • Lack of significant summer rains has resulted in poor perennial pasture growth. Kikuyu pastures sown last spring have persisted well despite the lack of rain. • Livestock are in reasonable condition despite the lack of pasture feed. This is due to early sales of excess stock and significantly more supplementary feeding than normal.

SEPTEMBERMARCH 2015 CROP AND PASTURE REPORT SOUTH AUSTRALIA PAGE 16 Lower Murray WEATHER

• Rainfall was very much above average for January (generally double the average rainfall) and below average for February. • Mean maximum temperatures for January were average in the south to below average in the north of the district. • February temperatures were very much above average across the whole of the district.

CROPS

• Farmers were generally pleased with the slightly above average cereal yields they achieved, given the poor finish to the season in 2014. • Both barley and wheat grain had below average protein levels, resulting in a high percentage of barley being classified malt quality. • Seeding intentions for cereals are similar to previous years. • Canola crops generally yielded well below average across the district last season, due to Beet Western Yellows virus, frost and late insect attack. • This along with price signals, indicate that the area sown to canola in 2015 will be significantly reduced. • There was a significant germination of summer weeds following the January rains, resulting in widespread spraying throughout the district. • Mice numbers are low at present, with only a few holes throughout paddocks. PASTURES

• Growth of volunteer cereals and weeds from summer rains has increased feed availability for livestock across the region, supplementing the dry stubble feed.

SEPTEMBERMARCH 2015 CROP AND PASTURE REPORT SOUTH AUSTRALIA PAGE 17 Northern Murray Mallee WEATHER

• Rainfall was above to very much above average for January with an area from Karoonda (94 mm) to Mindarie (80 mm) receiving their highest January rainfall on record. There was very little rainfall in February with below to very much below average falls. • Mean maximum temperatures for January were average and very much above average for February. • There were a few periods of extreme heat and high winds and one day of slightly raised dust at the end of February. CROPS

• Cereal yields were average to slightly above average and above farmers’ expectations given the poor finish to the season in 2014. • Grain protein levels were generally below average, resulting in higher levels of malt quality barley deliveries but a lower percentage of hard quality wheat than normal. • Early indications are that the area planned to be sown to cereals will be similar to 2014. • Canola was generally poor across the district last season, due to virus, frost and late insect attack. • This, along with forecasts of lower prices, indicates that the area sown to canola in 2015 will be significantly reduced. • There was a significant germination of summer weeds following the January rains, resulting in summer weed spraying throughout the district. • Many farmers are noticing mice holes in paddocks, and while they are not overly concerned at present, will continue to monitor with interest.

PASTURES

• Summer growth from January rains has improved paddock feed, with livestock generally in reasonable condition.

SEPTEMBERMARCH 2015 CROP AND PASTURE REPORT SOUTH AUSTRALIA PAGE 18 Southern Murray Mallee WEATHER

• Rainfall was very much above average for January and below to very much below average for February, with some centres recording no rainfall. • Mean maximum temperatures were average for January and very much above average for February with several periods of high winds.

CROPS

• Cereal yields were generally average to slightly above average, apart from areas that were significantly damaged by frost. • Grain protein levels were generally below average with a higher percentage of malt quality barley deliveries. • The planned area of cereals this season is likely to be similar to 2014. • Canola yields were below average due to Beet Western Yellows virus, frost, late insect attack and the dry spring. • The low returns in 2014 combined with poor price signals for the coming season is likely to result in a significant reduction in the area sown to canola. • The rains in January resulted in a significant germination of summer weeds and volunteer crops resulting in farmers spraying large areas to conserve soil moisture and nitrogen. • Mice numbers in paddocks are not significant across the district at present. PASTURES

• Summer growth from January rains has improved paddock feed supplies, with livestock generally in reasonable condition.

SEPTEMBERMARCH 2015 CROP AND PASTURE REPORT SOUTH AUSTRALIA PAGE 19 Upper South East WEATHER • Rainfall was above average to very much above average for January and below average for February. Rainfall for January ranged from 59mm at Keith to 37mm at Kingston. Mean maximum temperatures were average for January and very much above average for February. CROPS • Overall, crops performed much better than expected both in yield and quality considering the dry season. This has been attributed to better varieties, reduced soil disturbance and a good start to the season. • No mice, snail or other pest issues have been reported. • Crop plans for 2015 indicate a decrease in the amount of canola planted compared to 2014 due to lower prices and the poor yields experienced in 2014. • Canola is likely to be replaced in the rotation by a variety of crop types but mainly beans. The choice to increase beans in the rotation has largely been driven by the grain price, good yields and the ability to finish lambs well on bean stubbles. • There has been an increase in the area that will be sown to produce hay, predominantly oaten hay. This is for on-farm use, storage and sale. • Summer weeds have germinated, particularly on the lighter soil types, but ran out of moisture quickly or have been consumed by livestock. Problem weeds that germinated included caltrop, heliotrope and melons. • Summer weed spraying has occurred in some paddocks mainly to control melons, which if not controlled early, block tillage and seeding machinery. PASTURES • Dry pasture has now been consumed by livestock and there is very little remaining. • Livestock are in good body condition but with the commencement of calving and soon, lambing, it is expected that livestock condition will start to deteriorate. • Most stubbles have now been utilised by livestock. • Dryland lucerne responded well in the short term to the summer rains but most of this has now been utilised by livestock. • Heavy supplementary feeding for livestock is now occurring on most properties. • Fertiliser applications have been reduced on pastures due to cash flow reasons. The response to fertiliser on pasture is less easy for producers to measure in comparison to crops and therefore it is an easier decision to reduce fertiliser on pasture compared to crops.

SEPTEMBERMARCH 2015 CROP AND PASTURE REPORT SOUTH AUSTRALIA PAGE 20 Lower South East WEATHER

• Rainfall was above average to very much above average during January and very much below average for February. • Mean maximum temperatures were average for January and above to very much above average during February.

CROPS

• Rain during early to mid-January delayed the completion of harvest but did not cause any significant damage. • Canola grain yields were down by 5-10% on average with good oil content and grain size. • Bean crops yielded around average with good-sized grain and producers received good prices. • Barley crops yielded close to average with slightly below average grain quality, although very little barley is currently being grown in the Lower South East. • Wheat crops yielded around average which was better than expected. Grain size was variable across different varieties and soil types. Long- season varieties generally had poorer grain quality. • The predominant crops planned for 2015 will be beans, wheat and canola over an area similar to 2014. • Summer weeds have been heavily grazed by livestock. • Snail numbers have increased and many farmers baited following the rain in January.

PASTURES

• Field crickets have hatched in some areas and are causing damage to pastures. • Many producers have started spreading single superphosphate on their pasture paddocks. • There is very limited dry paddock feed available. • Livestock are still grazing crop stubbles. • Most producers are already heavily supplementary feeding livestock. • Autumn-calving cows have already started to drop their calves.

SEPTEMBERMARCH 2015 CROP AND PASTURE REPORT SOUTH AUSTRALIA PAGE 21