Crop and Pasture Report South Australia SPRING CROP PERFORMANCE NOVEMBER 2012

CROP AND PASTURE REPORT - SOUTH AUSTRALIA

This is a bimonthly report prepared by Rural Solutions SA, for the Agribusiness Grains Industry Development Group of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA).

Information current as of 5 November 2012

ALL ENQUIRIES

Dave Lewis Manager, Grain Industry Development Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) GPO Box 1671, Adelaide 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.

NOVEMBER 2012 SOUTH AUSTRALIA CROP AND PASTURE REPORT PAGE 2 Table of Contents

State Summary 4

Crop Estimates 6

District Reports 9 Western Eyre Peninsula 9 Lower Eyre Peninsula 10 Eastern Eyre Peninsula 11 Upper North 12 Mid North 13 Lower North 13 Yorke Peninsula 15 Central Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island 15 Lower Murray 17 Northern Murray Mallee 18 Southern Murray Mallee 19 Upper South East 20 Lower South East 21

NOVEMBER 2012 SOUTH AUSTRALIA CROP AND PASTURE REPORT PAGE 3 State Summary

WEATHER

• Seasonal conditions have been highly variable across the State. • Across most of the State, temperatures were above average during September and well above average during October. • Rainfall during September and October was generally well below average. • April to October rainfall has been below average in most of the State with parts of western Eyre Peninsula, Upper North and Northern Mallee being Decile 1-2. The Central Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula and parts of the South East have been above average. • Several frosts were recorded in some districts of the State during September and widespread frost was recorded in many districts during early October. • Isolated hail and snow fell on 11th October.

CROPS

• With the warm dry weather, crops have matured quickly and harvest has commenced one or two weeks earlier than normal. • Despite below average rainfall in many parts of the State, many crops have performed above expectations, particularly on the lighter soils. The relatively mild weather and a timely rain event in mid October have enabled crops to fill grain better than expected. • Late sown crops and those on shallow, heavy soils have been worst affected by the dry spring conditions. • Harvest of early sown barley, peas and oats commenced in early districts of the State in the first week of October. • In many districts, barley yields have been above expectations, but quality has suffered with high screenings. • Only limited wheat has been harvested to date. Yields are generally expected to be lower than barley and the dry finish may have reduced grain size. • Canola crops were harvested in the early districts in late October with reports of reasonable yields and high oil contents. A number of growers are looking to direct head thin or short canola crops mainly in the lower to medium rainfall areas. • Pulse and canola crops have suffered from the dry conditions more than cereals, with yields below average in most districts. • Leaf diseases have been at low levels, due to preventative fungicide application and dry conditions not favouring disease development. • Crown rot is present in some crops, particularly in lower rainfall districts. • Frost caused significant damage to crops in many districts across the State. Areas in the Mallee and Upper South East were the worst affected with losses of 10 to 30%. Many frosted areas have been cut for hay with good demand and prices for high quality cereal hay. • Hail in October caused minor damage to pulse and canola crops in isolated areas across the State. • Native budworm numbers have been higher than normal, particularly in canola crops. Some canola crops were sprayed to reduce damage. • Brome grass is becoming an increasing problem in some parts of the State.

NOVEMBER 2012 SOUTH AUSTRALIA CROP AND PASTURE REPORT PAGE 4

PASTURES

• Pastures have dried off in earlier districts but are still green in higher rainfall regions. • The cold winter and dry spring did not allow pastures in the northern part of the State to produce any significant bulk and pasture feed is limited in these districts. • Pasture growth on Kangaroo Island, Central Hills, Fleurieu and Upper South East has been average to above average. • Many producers have reduced stock numbers, particularly on Upper Eyre Peninsula and the Mid North.

KEY LINKS TO OTHER INFORMATION

Dept Environment and Natural Resources - Land condition monitoring project: 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 dryland 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.

NOVEMBER 2012 SOUTH AUSTRALIA CROP AND PASTURE REPORT 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 480,000 135,000 386,000 153,000 236,000 240,000 45,000 5,100 t 380,000 350,000 480,000 413,000 295,000 480,000 102,000 11,700

Durum ha 0 0 0 33,000 12,500 13,000 6,000 0 t 0 0 0 84,000 18,000 26,000 13,500 0

Barley ha 90,000 80,000 90,000 164,000 90,000 95,000 33,000 2,700 t 81,000 208,000 108,000 458,000 126,000 200,000 80,000 6,500

Oats ha 15,000 3,200 5,000 5,000 9,000 8,000 2,000 3,300 t 9,000 5,500 4,000 10,000 9,000 13,500 4,000 8,000

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

Triticale ha 1,800 900 4,500 2,000 2,800 3,000 500 300 t 1,200 1,100 4,500 4,000 3,500 6,000 1,200 700

Peas ha 6,000 6,500 5,000 21,000 26,000 25,000 8,000 400 t 3,000 6,600 3,000 31,500 24,000 27,000 10,500 600

Lupins ha 1,200 22,000 5,000 1,500 2,000 3,000 900 1,500 t 850 30,000 3,000 1,500 1,700 4,200 1,100 2,400

Beans ha 0 6,000 200 12,000 6,500 14,000 6,500 400 t 0 8,500 100 15,000 5,800 19,000 9,500 650

Chickpeas ha 0 200 200 10,000 2,900 5,000 1,000 0 t 0 200 100 12,000 3,000 5,200 1,200 0

Lentils ha 0 2,000 0 62,000 3,600 12,000 5,500 0 t 0 2,600 0 68,000 3,200 14,000 5,500 0

Vetch ha 200 1,000 500 2,000 5,000 2,600 300 0 t 50 500 200 1,600 1,000 2,400 250 0

Canola ha 5,000 60,000 7,700 36,000 27,000 51,000 11,000 4,500 t 2,500 90,000 3,800 47,000 24,000 56,000 15,000 7,200

Hay ha 6,500 4,500 5,500 20,000 18,000 25,000 7,000 6,500 (not in total) t 6,500 14,500 8,500 100,000 54,000 88,000 25,000 30,000

Total ha 599,200 316,800 504,100 501,500 423,300 471,600 119,700 18,200 t 477,600 703,000 606,700 1,145,600 514,200 853,300 243,750 37,750

NOVEMBER 2012 SOUTH AUSTRALIA CROP AND PASTURE REPORT 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 6,000 66,000 220,000 120,000 55,000 25,000 2,172,100 t 13,000 99,000 260,000 170,000 128,000 80,000 3,261,700

Durum ha 300 800 500 0 12,000 0 78,100 t 500 900 400 0 27,000 0 170,300

Barley ha 7,000 53,000 40,000 92,000 75,000 16,000 927,700 t 16,000 80,000 52,000 135,000 165,000 52,000 1,767,500

Oats ha 1,800 3,000 3,000 4,000 19,500 4,000 85,800 t 4,500 3,600 2,700 4,500 29,000 9,500 116,800

Rye ha 0 1,500 4,000 3,000 1,000 0 9,500 t 0 1,400 2,800 2,500 800 0 7,500

Triticale ha 1,500 8,000 15,000 22,500 7,000 1,000 70,800 t 3,600 10,000 15,000 27,000 11,000 2,600 91,400

Peas ha 1,500 1,500 0 1,500 3,000 400 105,800 t 2,600 1,300 0 1,000 4,300 900 116,300

Lupins ha 1,300 1,000 1,500 5,000 14,000 3,000 62,900 t 2,600 800 900 2,500 17,000 5,000 73,550

Beans ha 400 100 0 1,200 11,000 11,000 69,300 t 900 80 0 600 16,500 23,000 99,630

Chickpeas ha 0 0 0 0 200 200 19,700 t 0 0 0 0 200 300 22,200

Lentils ha 0 0 0 200 3,000 200 88,500 t 0 0 0 100 3,600 350 97,350

Vetch ha 0 100 0 1,000 400 0 13,100 t 0 70 0 400 400 0 6,870

Canola ha 1,700 4,000 26,000 10,000 43,000 16,500 303,400 t 3,000 3,600 13,000 6,000 58,000 31,000 360,100

Hay ha 23,000 6,000 2,500 5,000 47,000 28,000 204,500 (not in total) t 103,000 18,000 4,000 12,000 175,000 114,000 752,500

Total ha 21,500 139,000 310,000 260,400 244,100 77,300 4,006,700 t 46,700 200,750 346,800 349,600 460,800 204,650 6,191,200

NOVEMBER 2012 SOUTH AUSTRALIA CROP AND PASTURE REPORT PAGE 7 TABLE 2 CROP ESTIMATES AGAINST FIVE YEAR AVERAGE

2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 5 year ave 2012/13

Wheat ha 2,101,227 2,043,000 2,111,100 2,237,100 2,226,100 2,123,100 2,172,100 t 2,250,970 2,347,000 4,032,500 5,818,500 4,444,800 3,612,200 3,261,700

Durum ha 54,750 59,100 60,000 69,800 74,600 60,900 78,100 t 95,400 88,700 157,200 240,600 223,950 145,500 170,300

Barley ha 1,225,163 1,210,500 1,152,300 965,200 987,700 1,138,300 927,700 t 1,776,660 1,795,000 2,544,100 2,839,100 2,031,800 2,238,700 1,767,500

Oats ha 85,659 72,100 79,700 75,300 75,800 78,200 85,800 t 95,457 80,200 136,600 152,300 117,400 116,100 116,800

Rye ha 9,000 11,000 9,400 9,500 9,500 9,700 9,500 t 4,800 7,300 8,200 11,600 7,900 8,000 7,500

Triticale ha 93,967 85,700 85,900 85,700 80,200 87,800 70,800 t 97,649 86,600 117,700 167,100 117,500 117,300 91,400

Peas ha 146,874 128,500 127,700 126,300 109,900 132,300 105,800 t 152,909 129,100 181,150 238,500 144,400 175,400 116,300

Lupins ha 83,372 74,000 66,500 64,900 64,900 72,200 62,900 t 77,898 69,600 97,200 120,100 78,900 91,200 73,550

Beans ha 70,877 72,400 71,200 71,500 72,200 71,500 69,300 t 105,494 82,880 144,350 168,600 121,220 125,300 99,630

Chickpeas ha 5,993 11,550 13,200 10,700 12,200 10,400 19,700 t 5,075 9,200 17,150 16,000 19,550 11,900 22,200

Lentils ha 54,603 46,500 52,100 97,700 106,100 62,700 88,500 t 55,952 36,870 89,450 174,350 181,600 89,200 97,350

Vetch ha 15,756 15,900 12,900 12,800 13,100 14,300 13,100 t 8,629 4,980 10,650 12,900 11,120 9,300 6,870

Canola ha 163,351 178,200 182,700 196,500 269,500 180,200 303,400 t 152,989 192,600 297,100 381,700 435,700 256,100 360,100

Hay ha 220,000 288,000 274,100 244,200 201,500 256,600 204,500 (not in total) t 520,000 831,000 1,004,000 1,066,000 774,400 855,300 752,500

Total ha 4,110,600 4,008,500 4,024,700 4,023,000 4,101,800 4,041,700 4,006,700 t 4,879,900 4,930,000 7,833,400 10,341,400 7,935,800 6,996,200 6,191,200

NOVEMBER 2012 SOUTH AUSTRALIA CROP AND PASTURE REPORT PAGE 8 District Reports Western Eyre Peninsula

WEATHER

• September and October rainfall was well below average throughout Western Eyre Peninsula. Inland districts recorded Decile 2 rainfall from April to October with coastal districts recording Decile 3. • Scattered light showers in the last week of September provided most of the rain recorded in this period. • Daytime temperatures in September were generally mild with a number of hot days with northerly winds experienced in mid October leading to rapid senescence of crops and pastures. • Isolated frost damage has been reported on light textured soils around Minnipa, Kyancutta and Warramboo.

CROPS

• Crop maturity has been variable across the district due to variation in seeding time. This is expected to result in a high level of variability in yield and quality across the district. • Harvest began in late October with early sown barley being delivered to Wudinna around the 24th October. Yields from early sown crops have been average to above average (2-3 t/ha) and high quality. • Cereal yields in districts northwest of Wirrulla are expected to be below average at 0.4 to 0.6 t/ha. • Despite having less bulk than in previous years, wheat crops in districts south of Minnipa are expected to achieve average yields. • Crown rot has been an issue in maturing cereal crops in some western Eyre districts and will lead to a yield reduction in affected crops. • The area sown to malting barley varieties this year has been generally low. • Windrowing canola was largely completed in this area by the end of October. • Some aphid and native budworm damage on canola crops has occurred, but not at levels where yields are expected to be impacted significantly. • Generally dry conditions have resulted in low incidence of fungal disease on maturing crops and growers are confident of delivering high quality grain this season. • Although snails are more widespread that has been observed in previous seasons, growers have had generally good control with their baiting programs.

PASTURES

• There has been some hay cut, however the expectation of high prices for grain at delivery has minimised the amount of cereal paddocks that growers are willing to cut for hay. • Pastures have senesced rapidly due to drying conditions over this period and feed quantity has declined. • Due to the lack of bulk in cereal paddocks in the far west districts growers are anticipating reduced stubble feed supplies over summer and many have made the decision to reduce stocking pressure early. • Stock are generally in good condition.

NOVEMBER 2012 SOUTH AUSTRALIA CROP AND PASTURE REPORT PAGE 9 Lower Eyre Peninsula

WEATHER

• September and October rainfall on lower Eyre districts has been well below average. • Day time temperatures have been generally mild with a few drying days with hot north winds in mid to late October. • April to October rainfall was below average across most of the district • Stored subsoil moisture levels are generally low.

CROPS

• By the end of October around 50% of canola had been windrowed. • There have been reports of some low level native budworm damage to canola pods. • Delays brought about by dry conditions at seeding have meant that there is considerable variation in the maturity of cereal crops around the region. It is expected that growers will start harvesting pulse and cereal paddocks over the next few weeks. • Despite dry spring conditions, good growing conditions early in the season mean that crops are expected to achieve above average yields. • Grain quality is expected to be high with the dry conditions at grain-fill likely to help growers achieve premium classifications on appropriate wheat varieties. • Growers with malting barley varieties are expected to achieve malt classification. • Oat paddocks sown for hay were cut in mid October with most paddocks providing a high level of dry matter. • Dry conditions over this period have stopped any disease infestation on maturing crops. • Snails have been observed over a wider area this season, however unfavorable seasonal conditions and an increase in grower baiting has reduced the numbers of snails observed in crop.

PASTURES

• Spraytopping of annual pastures for grass weed control was the main activity during September. • Lucerne flea has been a continual pest on annual pasture paddocks this season. • Dry conditions over this period have lead to a rapid senescence of annual pastures. Despite this, pastures still have a generally high level of feed. • Stubbles will provide a high level of good quality feed over summer. • Stock are in excellent condition.

NOVEMBER 2012 SOUTH AUSTRALIA CROP AND PASTURE REPORT PAGE 10 Eastern Eyre Peninsula

WEATHER

• September and October rainfall across Eastern Eyre Peninsula districts has been below average (decile 2 to 3). • The coastal areas of this district have recorded above average growing season rainfall (Decile 6), despite a generally dry spring. In inland areas, April to October rainfall has been below average. • Some frost damage has been reported in isolated patches in the Darke Peak and Rudall districts.

CROPS

• Variable seeding times and seasonal rainfall will result in a wide spread of yield and grain quality across the district. • Windrowing canola was largely finished by the end of October with harvest beginning on cereal crops in the last week of October. • Some peas have been delivered at Kimba with yields of 0.4 to 0.8 t/ha and some early sown canola delivered at Lock yielding 0.5 to 0.6 t/ha. • Oil content in canola has been high. • Good early and winter rains in the coastal areas around Franklin Harbour, Arno Bay, Wharminda and Pt Neill will result in average to above average yields. • Early sown barley delivered at Pt Neill has been reported as yielding above 2 t/ha. • The cold winter conditions and dry spring appears to have impacted the yield potential of barley crops more than wheat. • Crops on heavier textured soils around Kimba have suffered significant moisture stress and will yield below average. • The dry conditions during grain fill are likely to improve wheat quality with a large proportion of the wheat crop expected to reach premium classification. • There have been reports of aphids and native budworm affecting canola and pea crops during grain fill. Although there have been reports of significant yield impacts on some canola crops the damage has been generally isolated. • The dry conditions during this period and preventative fungicide applications have resulted in very low disease issues during crop maturity.

PASTURES

• Stock are generally in good condition. • Drying conditions throughout this period have resulted in rapid senescence of annual pastures which has lead to a decline in feed levels on these paddocks. • There is expected to be a high level of good quality feed in stubble paddocks throughout the district.

NOVEMBER 2012 SOUTH AUSTRALIA CROP AND PASTURE REPORT PAGE 11 Upper North

WEATHER

• Temperatures were above average during September and well above average during October. Hail and snow were recorded in parts of the district on 11th October. • Rainfall for September was well below average across the district, but below to well below average for October. • April to October rainfall for selected sites: Orroroo 116mm (Decile 1), Jamestown 201mm (Decile 1), Booleroo Centre 166mm (Decile 1), Pt Pirie 233mm (Decile 3) and Crystal Brook 199mm (Decile 2). CROPS

• Harvest commenced in mid October in the Port Germein and Port Pirie areas. • Harvest of barley, oats and peas commenced in other parts of the district towards the end of October. • Barley grain quality has been variable with reports of high screenings and low test weights resulting in lower grade feed classifications. • Windrowing of canola crops has commenced. A significant number of crops will be direct headed due to low yield potential and short crop height. • Yields in the Port Pirie and Pt Germein area are above average (barley 2.5 to 3.5t/ha), but down on earlier expectations due to the dry finish. • Yields on the eastern side of the range will be well below average (40 to 60% of average) in most areas, particularly in later sown crops. • There is considerable variation in crop maturity, due to the extended sowing period. • Some late sown crops in the Quorn, Willowie and Peterborough districts will not be reaped and have either been grazed or will be grazed. • Stripe rust developed rapidly in susceptible wheat varieties during late September/early October and crops with reasonable yield potential were sprayed. • Other leaf diseases have been at relatively low levels. • Crown rot has been severe in isolated crops with yield losses of 50% or more in patches within some crops. • Bacterial Blight has damaged some pea crops, but the introduction of resistant varieties has greatly reduced the extent and severity of the damage. • Hail caused minor damage to a few crops in the Pt Germein and Wirrabara districts. • Hay yields have been well below average, due the cold winter and dry spring, but quality is very good. PASTURES

• Pasture feed is already in short supply and growers have been selling off excess stock. • Some growers in the lower rainfall areas have bought in hay to ensure sufficient feed to get livestock through the summer. • Onion weed appears to be spreading and has become established in many longer-term pastures. • Stock are generally in good condition despite low feed supplies • Reduced crop growth will limit stubble feed, but quality should be high.

NOVEMBER 2012 SOUTH AUSTRALIA CROP AND PASTURE REPORT PAGE 12 Mid North

WEATHER

• Rainfall across the Mid North region during September and October was less than half of the average in most districts; September rainfall being Decile 1 to 2 for most recording stations in the region. • Damaging frosts occurred in some earlier districts in mid-September and in some later districts in mid- October. • It has been relatively mild during these two months. There have been no days with hot winds (above 35 degrees). CROPS

• Yield potential for all grain crops has reduced significantly across all areas in the district in the past two months. Yields are now generally expected to be around 15% below average (some individual situations higher). • Relatively mild weather and a timely rain event in mid October enabled crops to fill grain better than expected. This is especially true of earlier sown crops and in earlier districts. • Some earlier sown crops in later districts that had N applied and put on a lot of early growth are burning off. • In western areas, where wheat is still in the milky dough grain stage, yields and grain size may be reduced due to lack of moisture. In later areas, where crops are greener, grain size may be better. • Areas of shallow soil (including subsoil constraints) have poorer growth and a reduced yield potential. • Harvest has commenced in the earlier districts. Early harvested barley is mostly F1 to F3 grades, with downgrading due to screenings. Pea crops harvested so far are below average with yields between 1.2 - 1.5t/ha. • Windrowing of canola is mostly completed in earlier districts and is expected to commence in later districts within the week. Direct heading of canola will increase due to crops being shorter than normal. • Some wheat in the north eastern part of the region (commonly earlier sown Mace) has been frosted and has been cut for hay. Other wheat crops with high levels of ryegrass have also been cut for hay. • Hay crops have been cut and, in the earlier districts, baled and shedded. Yields have been variable (oaten hay ranging from 2.5 to 7t/ha) but most are considered to be average. Hay quality is very good. • In the earlier districts pulse crops have been crop topped to control ryegrass seed set. • Stripe rust levels in wheat crops have remained relatively low, most producers applied preventative sprays and conditions were not conducive to rust. Some crown rot is present in the earlier districts. • There have been several flights of Heliothis (native budworm) moths increasing the amount of insecticide spraying required in pulses. More canola crops than usual have needed treatment for control of native budworm. • Mouse numbers are considered to be low. PASTURES

• Pastures have dried off in earlier districts but are still green in higher rainfall regions, the mid October rain allowing sown clover pastures to continue growing. • While paddock feed is running out for many producers in the earlier districts, all are confident of carrying stock through in good condition until hay paddocks and stubbles become available over the coming weeks. • Grass seed set has been controlled with desiccant herbicides. • Livestock are in good condition across the district.

NOVEMBER 2012 SOUTH AUSTRALIA CROP AND PASTURE REPORT PAGE 13 Lower North

WEATHER

• Temperatures were slightly above average during September and October across the district. • Rainfall for September and October was well below average. • Growing season rainfall has been well below average being Decile 2 across the district; Mallala 209mm, Roseworthy 225mm, Kapunda 246mm and Tarlee 251mm. CROPS

• Harvesting of barley, canola and peas is well underway in the early parts of the district, with later areas expected to start in mid to late November. • Windrowing of canola has almost been completed, except for the late parts of the district. • Approximately 30 to 40% of the canola in the early districts will be direct headed. Growers are still waiting for these crops to finish ripening. • Early harvested canola has yielded slightly below average, but with good oil content above 41%. • Early sown barley crops have produced average yields. Later sown crops will be well below average. • Barley quality has been reasonable, although most has only been feed varieties to date. • Hay crops have been cut and baled with reasonable to good yields. • Some wheat and barley crops have been cut for hay, due to frost damage or where ryegrass numbers are high. • Leaf diseases have been at low levels with good control achieved with proactive fungicide applications. • Native budworm numbers have been higher than normal, particularly in canola. Some growers opted to spray. • There are high levels of millipedes, earwigs and slaters in many paddocks and these may cause a contamination problem in grain and hay. If numbers remain high over summer they could damage emerging crops during seeding.

PASTURES

• Pasture growth has been very limited. • A smaller area of pasture legumes was cut for hay, due to the lack of bulk. • Oaten hay production has been well down, however quality is very good. • The limited numbers of livestock in the district are in reasonable condition.

NOVEMBER 2012 SOUTH AUSTRALIA CROP AND PASTURE REPORT PAGE 14 Yorke Peninsula

WEATHER

• September temperatures were average with several frosts. Temperatures were above average in most of the region during October. • September and October rainfall was well below average. Hail was recorded in mid October. • Most areas have only received Decile 2 to 4 growing season rainfall. Maitland (357mm, Decile 4) has been the only region with reasonable growing season rainfall on the Yorke Peninsula. CROPS

• The rainfall event in early October gave late sown crops a lifeline and allowed early sown crops to finish filling grain. • Despite the extremely dry spring, crops have suffered less yield loss than expected, due to sub-soil moisture from earlier in the year. • Dry sown crops (early May) are generally about 1t/ha better and of higher quality than those sown after the break (late May-early June). • Harvest of early sown peas, lentils and barley has started, with later sown pulses being desiccated. • All canola has now been windrowed with only a small area harvested. Early reports are of good oil levels and average yields. • Oaten hay has been cut and baled averaging 5 t/ha (north) to 10 t/ha (south) • Barley yields have generally been average to slightly below average, but quality has been variable with reports of significant amounts of F3-F4 in some areas. • Hail caused some loss in yield and quality of individual barley crops. • Pea yields have been average despite hail and frost damage (5-20% yield loss in some crops). • Lentils are in the early stages of being harvested with early sown crops producing average yields, and later sown crops well below average. • With the extremely dry spring, disease levels in cereal and pulse crops have not been a major concern. • Crop damage from a frost event in early October was minor and localised. • Insect spraying has been common with native budworm, Plutella, Etiella and aphids thriving in the warmer weather. Canola crops were sprayed for native budworm, which is quite rare. • Brome grass continues to be a problematic weed across YP with a lot of chemical fallowing occurring in the worst patches. • Snails are likely to cause significant problems during harvesting of canola crops. PASTURES

• Medic pastures that have been cut for hay have yielded well and the quality to date has been excellent. • Medic hay is in high demand and has already been sold from the paddock into the east of SA or into Victoria. • Pastures have dried off with limited biomass, due to the poor growing conditions and overgrazing. • A lot of hand feeding with grain and hay continues to take place. • Stock condition has deteriorated slightly, with some stock to be agisted out.

NOVEMBER 2012 SOUTH AUSTRALIA CROP AND PASTURE REPORT PAGE 15 Central Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island

WEATHER

• Rainfall has been average to below average (Decile 2 - 3) for September and October. • Temperatures across the region have been average (and slightly above average for Central Hills and Fleurieu in September)

CROPS Kangaroo Island: • The lack of Sept/Oct rainfall has pulled yield expectations to average (down from earlier estimations of above average). Broad beans are beginning to wilt and rainfall in the next two weeks will determine resultant yields ie falls of 25mm + will result in above average yields. • Hail caused some leaf damage but limited damage to yield. • KI has experienced some strong winds, but with the mild temperatures they have not greatly impacted on yields. • Low levels of stripe rust have occurred in wheat and barley, with some wheat paddocks sprayed. • Native budworms have been present in peas and beans and most crops have been sprayed. Canola is being treated on a case by case status. Lupins have had very low levels and have not needed spraying. • Canola windrowing will commence in early November. • Cereal harvest will commence with barley around the end of November. Central Hills / Fleurieu • Grain crops are looking excellent with slightly above average yields expected at this stage. Only minimal areas have been affected by frost. These crops were cut for hay. • The drier spring has resulted in lower than expected levels of foliar diseases. • Hay crops and pasture hay paddocks are in excellent condition and are currently being cut. Yields are high and quality is good. • Insect and other pest damage to crops and pastures has been minimal. Relatively small areas of crops and pastures that were inundated with water during winter and re-sown (some twice) will not match the yields of the unaffected areas due to the dry spring.

PASTURES • On Kangaroo Island pasture growth has been average with the eastern portion of KI now drying off rapidly. • Hay quality will be high as there has been little rainfall during hay cutting. Quantity is variable. Some areas are below average due to waterlogging during winter and lack of spring rain to boost growth rates. • Pastures in the Central Hills and Fleurieu have been very good, but are now drying off. • Increasing numbers of livestock are coming onto the market, resulted in a drop off from the previous buoyant prices. • Livestock agents report stock being of good quality despite the short spring.

NOVEMBER 2012 SOUTH AUSTRALIA CROP AND PASTURE REPORT PAGE 16 Lower Murray

WEATHER

• Temperatures during September and October were average across the region. • The Murray Plains generally had poor rainfall in September, with some in October to help with grain fill, but overall a well below average finish to the season. • Murray Bridge recorded 20mm for Sept/Oct, finishing with 213mm of GSR, after 43mm at the end of February. • Frosts were recorded throughout the Murray Plains.

CROPS

• Yields across the Murray Plains will be variable, based on soil type and farming systems. • Early sown crops following good summer weed control are clearly better than where moisture was not well conserved. Areas north and east of Cambrai suffered more moisture stress than other areas. • While there has been some peas harvested, cereal harvesting is yet to get underway in earnest. • Overall, both wheat and barley yields are expected to be above average, but slightly lower in the northern region. • There has been some severe frost damage in places, mainly in canola and pea crops, which means that yields in these crops are likely to be around average. • Brome grass is reported to be worse this year.

PASTURES

• Feed levels are reported to be adequate at this stage on the Murray Plains, due to early pasture growth and low stock numbers.

NOVEMBER 2012 SOUTH AUSTRALIA CROP AND PASTURE REPORT PAGE 17 Northern Murray Mallee

WEATHER

• Temperatures during both September and October were slightly above average. • September and October rainfall was well below average. • Waikerie recorded 13mm for Sept/Oct, finishing with 104mm of GSR, after 47mm at the end of February. • Loxton had only 8mm for Sept/Oct, and 68mm of GSR, after 44mm at the end of February. • Some frosts were recorded throughout the Northern Mallee.

CROPS

• There were a few rainfall events that contributed to head development and grain filling across the Northern Mallee. • The Northern Mallee received virtually no useful rainfall in September or October, meaning crops had to finish on any stored moisture available. Yield potential is remarkably good given that most areas have only received one half to two thirds of their average growing season rainfall. • Yields will be variable based on soil type and farming systems. Early sown crops following good summer weed control are clearly better than where moisture was not well conserved. There was also thunderstorm activity in August that gave some areas significantly higher rainfall than others. • The Northern Mallee has begun harvesting barley. • Barley is generally performing better than expected given the lack of rainfall. Barley yields will be average, being slightly below average around Waikerie, to average and above around Loxton. • Wheat yields appear slightly lower than barley, but there has been little reaped at this stage. • There has been some frost damage, the extent of which will become more apparent during harvest. Some canola crops have severe frost damage. • Brome grass is thought to be becoming increasingly significant in the Nothern Mallee.

PASTURES

• Feed levels are reported to be very low and decreasing rapidly, with some hand feeding evident. • Farmers will be looking to get livestock onto stubbles as soon as possible.

NOVEMBER 2012 SOUTH AUSTRALIA CROP AND PASTURE REPORT PAGE 18 Southern Murray Mallee

WEATHER

• Temperatures during September and October were average. • September and October rainfall was well below average across the district. Pinnaroo recorded 23mm for Sept/Oct, finishing with 131mm of GSR, after 30mm at the end of Feb. Lowaldie (near Karoonda) had 35mm for Sept/Oct, 231mm of GSR, after 40mm at the end of Feb. • A number of significant frosts were recorded throughout the Southern Mallee.

CROPS

• There were a few rainfall events that contributed to head development and grain filling across the Southern Mallee. • The Southern Mallee is just preparing for harvest, with little actual yield or quality information available. • Frost appears to have been most severe around Pinnaroo and Karoonda, with a possible 20% crop loss. Other areas may have lost 10%, but this will become more apparent during harvest. Much of the frosted areas were cut for hay. • Yields will be variable based on soil type and farming systems. Early sown crops following good summer weed control are clearly better than where moisture was not well conserved. • Overall cereal yields are expected to be around average, with barley looking slightly better than wheat. • Canola is also variable, but is expected to be below average, given the frost damage. • Peas have generally performed well. It has been a poor year for lupins. • Brome grass is thought to be becoming increasingly significant in the Southern Mallee, not just on the sands. • There is also concern about increasing group B resistance of wild turnip.

PASTURES

• Feed levels are reported to be very low and decreasing rapidly, with some hand feeding evident. • Farmers will be looking to get livestock onto stubbles as soon as possible, or utilize frosted hay areas.

NOVEMBER 2012 SOUTH AUSTRALIA CROP AND PASTURE REPORT PAGE 19 Upper South East

WEATHER

• Temperatures for September and October have been average. • Monthly rainfall totals for September and October are well below average. In October, most areas have been less than half of average. • September rainfall for selected locations (long term monthly average in brackets): Keith 28.8 mm (50.7 mm), Kingston 31 mm (57.5 mm), Coonalpyn 24.2 mm (48 mm), Wolseley 43.6 mm (52.4 mm) • October rainfall for selected locations as of 26/10/12 (long term monthly average in brackets): Keith 15.8 mm (42.2 mm), Kingston 33.8 mm (42.9 mm), Coonalpyn 16.2 mm (41.2 mm), Wolseley 19.6 mm (45 mm)

CROPS

• Despite the dry finish to the season most crops have grown well with average yield potential. Late sown crops may be below average. • Disease and insect pressure has been relatively low. • Spraying for native budworm, in particular in peas and beans, has been completed with a single application of insecticide enough for effective control. Native budworm larvae were at normal levels, but present earlier than normal. • Pea and bean crops have finished flowering with most crops having average yield potential. • Stripe rust levels have been lower this year, with only isolated cases of rust in susceptible wheat varieties. • Lower stripe rust levels are attributed to the proactive approach of many farmers with fungicide applications and drier conditions across SA which has been less conducive to rust outbreaks. • Isolated hail at the start of October in some areas has resulted in damage to some crops, with the top third of bean plants cut off and some bruising in cereals (without a detected yield penalty). Canola and Lucerne flower damage may also have occurred but any yield penalties are minimal. • There has been some mild frost damage, but incidences have been very isolated. • Canola will be windrowed in the next 2-3 weeks and harvesting of other crops commencing in the next 3-4 weeks. PASTURES

• Pastures are looking good with dense swards and good legume content. • The ‘Timerite’ spraying tool is being utilised by many producers to optimize red legged earth mite control. Red legged earth mite resistance tests carried out in the area have come back negative. • Isolated frost damage slowed pasture growth. • Livestock are in average to very good body condition score and supplementary feeding has ceased due to adequate paddock feed. • Silage production has been completed and many producers are starting to cut hay. Yields are slightly above average. Quality is good due to more producers cutting earlier and minimal weather damage. • A good legume base in mixed pasture hay has also been noted. Paddocks that have been cut early for hay have been shut up again in the hope of a second cut which will replenish depleted hay stocks.

NOVEMBER 2012 SOUTH AUSTRALIA CROP AND PASTURE REPORT PAGE 20 Lower South East

WEATHER

• Temperatures for September and October have been average to slightly above average • Monthly rainfall totals for September and October are well below average and in many areas less than half the long term average. • September rainfall for selected locations (monthly average in brackets): Lucindale 30.6 mm (63.9 mm), Beachport 34.8 mm (64.9 mm), Millicent 44.8 mm (74.3 mm), Mt Gambier 51 mm (72.6 mm). • October rainfall for selected locations as of 26/10/12 (monthly average in brackets): Lucindale 33.1 mm (49.1 mm), Beachport 36.4 mm (46.4 mm),Millicent 33.2 mm (54.3 mm), Mt Gambier 30.4 mm (61.5 mm).

CROPS

• Most crops have grown well with average yield potential, but will still need further rain to finish. • Canola has finished flowering and windrowing is expected to commence in November. • No significant frost, hail or wind damage has been reported. • Overall disease and insect pressure has been low. • Native budworm is not expected to be present in crops, until the start of November. • Disease levels in bean crops have been relatively low, although early application of fungicide has been required on some properties with repeat treatments needed in isolated cases. • Canola crops that were destroyed early in the season, by an undetermined cause, were re-sown to wheat or barley with no further issues. PASTURES

• Pasture growth has been slow due to cool ground temperatures. • Isolated issues of red legged earth mite, Lucerne flea and red headed cockchafer damage have been reported. • Silage production has been completed, but hay cutting has not yet started. Silage paddocks have had average yields. Many have not feed tested silage as yet but producers are confident of quality. • Some pastures that have been shut up for hay may have below average yields due to a wet/cold winter followed by below average rainfall for spring. • Livestock are in very good body condition score and supplementary feeding has ceased due to adequate paddock feed.

NOVEMBER 2012 SOUTH AUSTRALIA CROP AND PASTURE REPORT PAGE 21