Australia: Barley production for 2005-06 is estimated by ABARE to increase by 28%

Production of barley, one of the major winter crops, for 2005-2006 is estimated by ABARE at 9.8 million tonnes, an increase of 28 % from the previous season, ABARE (Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics) posted on February 14 in its latest Crop Report. Wheat production is estimated to have increased by 11 per cent from the 2004-05
harvest.

New South Wales
According to ABARE, despite the late start to the season, total production in New South Wales is estimated to have increased significantly to 2.2 million tonnes in 2005-06. Grain quality has been reported to be good to excellent in southern and central areas of the state, with increased receivals of malt grade barley compared with previous seasons. In the north of the state, drier conditions resulted in reduced yields and poorer quality, with receivals of malt grade barley significantly less than 2004-05.

Victoria
Barley production is estimated to have reached 2.1 million tonnes in 2005-06, 61 per cent more than in 2004-05. Increased production reflects improved seasonal conditions and a marginal increase in the area planted.

Queensland
Production of barley is estimated to have increased by 33 per cent to 259 000 tonnes in 2005-06. The increased production reflects an increased area sown to barley combined with a high proportion of Queensland’s barley crop being planted in the western Downs/Maranoa regions where conditions were average to above average.


South Australia
Barley production is estimated at 2.7 million tonnes, also 33 per cent higher than in 2004-05. Quality has been reported to be good; however, rain in early November meant there were some issues with black tip in traditional malting barley areas, leading to some grain being downgraded to feed quality.

Western Australia
Production of barley is estimated to have increased to 2.6 million tonnes in 2005-06, around 5 per cent higher than in the previous season. The increase in production reflects a record area sown to barley and favorable growing conditions.

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