Australia
January 09

Source: Australian Oilseeds Federation (AOF)

Canola 2008/09

The canola crop has finished up on last month's estimates. This is largely due to better than forecast estimates for WA due to an excellent finish, but also an improved position for NSW and Victoria where impacts of the frost damage were not as bad as expected and good yields in higher rainfall areas.

Harvest in NSW has finished with a somewhat better position than earlier forecast. The dry spring and finish to the crop has impacted yields and quality in all regions, but in particular the southern and central regions. The damage from the late frosts in October and November was not as severe as expected, particularly in the northern region. There is wide variation in seed quality, seed size and appearance, with a number of reports of small, pinched grain. Grain fill was poor in many areas. Oil contents have been disappointing, with the state average around 36‐38%. Overall, production for the State has been revised up slightly on last month due to the combination of poorer crops turned off for hay and frost damage being less than estimated.

As for NSW, the Victorian crop experienced a disappointing end to the season. With virtually no rainfall and frosts during the spring finish, yields and quality have been well below expectations. A number of poorer performing crops were cut for hay. The Western District has seen better yields than previously predicted as frost damage was not as severe as expected. Overall average yield for the state has increased slightly.

There was big variation in crop quality across South Australia. Conditions and results were similar to those in
NSW and Victoria, with a disappointing end to the 2008/09 season.

The late rain in the southern zones of Western Australia has capped an almost perfect growing season. As for eastern states, the late frosts were not as damaging as first expected. Generally yields are up across all zones. Seed quality is very good and oil yields are averaging 43‐44%. The state crop is expected to pass the 1 million tonnes for a record year.

Sunflower 2008/09

Prospects for the sunflower crop have improved due to reasonable yields predicted for the early planted crops, and an increase in late planted sunflowers. This has been a result of recent improvement in prices, due to the declining Australian dollar and strength in crude oil values. Crops in southern Queensland, northern NSW and Liverpool Plains are ranging from late grain fill to harvest commencing. Harvest is expected to commence in early February, although harvest has commenced on some early plant irrigated monounsaturated sunflowers in Central Queensland and is also expected to commence in northern NSW shortly for some of the early plant crops. Hot, dry conditions have continued in northern NSW since late December, with only minimal and isolated storm rainfall events across the area. Minimal pest pressure is reported. Yield potential is expected to be in the 1.5‐2.5 tonnes/hectare range.

The Liverpool Plains crop has had minimal Rutherglen Bug pressure, but heliothis incidence has been reasonably high. Yields in this area are expected to be 1.8 tonnes/ha or higher. The late plant is essentially sown, with crop stage varying from just planted to 8‐10 leaf stage. Good subsoil moisture was available for these crops, but additional in crop rainfall from budding on will be needed to ensure good yields.

Website: http://www.australianoilseeds.com

Published: January 15, 2009