Australia: South Australian barley crop above average

The forecast for crop harvest of South Australia is evaluated at currently about 7.06 million tonnes – 6% above the five year average confirmed the Ezigrain report of December 6.

Rory McEwen, Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Minister said that the Rural Solutions SA crop harvest report issued today indicates that about 30% of the total crop has been harvested in South Australia.Mr McEwen said that rainfall early in the month delayed harvest and affected grain quality in some areas, but helped grain fill in later maturing crops.

Moderate to heavy falls of rain occurred over most districts early in the month. Spring rainfall has been above average in all districts with the exception of the Lower South East, which recorded near average spring rainfall.

Much of the barley was reaped with yields generally above average, however a significant amount of the early harvested barley failed to achieve malting classification as a result of black tip, cleaving and low test weight. The proportion of barley achieving malting quality increased as later maturing crops were reaped.

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