A challenging season has seen South Australia’s estimated grain production for 2024-25 come in at 5.2 million tonnes.
The latest Crop and Pasture Report – Post Harvest, produced by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, shows the state’s grain production is 43 per cent below the five-year average, with an estimated farm gate value of $2.1 billion.
The final estimated grain production is the lowest total since 2008-09’s 4.9m tonnes.
The report stated the 2024 season saw “well below average rainfall” for all cropping regions, which together with a dry finish to the 2023 season and a dry 2024-25 summer resulted in a “significant rainfall deficit” across the state.
Crop performance was deemed poor in most regions.
“Yield [was] limited by the combination of late crop emergence, a dry winter and the early onset of spring conditions,” the report said.
“Severe and widespread frost events in September led to further yield reductions, with severely frosted crops cut for hay as a salvage strategy.”
Yield reports from harvested crops were significantly below average, however widespread rainfall during October stabilised crop yield potential in later districts due to improved grain and pod fill and slowed grain maturation.
Later districts were also helped by a lack of extreme heat and wind events during ripening and harvest.
Despite the severe seasonal challenges experienced throughout South Australia’s cropping districts, modern farming practices that conserve moisture and improve water use efficiency enabled crop yields that were not possible historically.
Pasture cover continues to be poor with farmers continuing to source fodder from non-traditional sources.
Eyre Peninsula’s three districts – Western, Lower and Eastern – contributed strongly to wheat production, with 451,200t in Lower Eyre Peninsula, 432,000t in the eastern region and 315,000t on Western EP.
The state’s total wheat production was 2,736,700t – well below the five-year average of 5,015,300t.
Barley in Lower Eyre Peninsula was at 180,000t, as well as 78,000t on Eastern Eyre Peninsula and 60,000t in the west, from a state total of 1,241,664t.
Lower Eyre Peninsula produced 63,000t of lentils, with 48,750t in Eastern Eyre Peninsula and 22,500t in Western Eyre Peninsula.
The state total was 447,955t.
As farmers grapple with the ongoing drought, the state government is continuing to roll out its $73 million Drought Support Package.
Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven said the state government was committed to supporting primary producers and regional communities through this challenging time with its support package.
“The support package has been designed based on direct feedback from farmers and not only offers financial assistance, but also funding for donated fodder transport, health and wellbeing support and grants for community events which bring people together,” she said.
“I continue to listen to farmers across the state about the current situation and closely monitor the rollout of support.”
For more information about drought assistance visit pir.sa.gov.au/drought-support
