Good yields after a challenging year

The ABARES Crop Report is the main official update on Australian crop conditions and expectations.  Released in March, June, September, and December, The Crop Report attempts to forecast major winter and summer crop areas, yields, and production.

After the record crops of the previous three years, 2023-24 was always going to be lower, but croppers have come a long way in managing drier seasons. 

The December report shifted the estimated national wheat crop slightly higher, adding 0.3% to forecasts to sit at 25.45mmt.  There was some production shaved off WA, but this was added to NSW as yields came in higher than expected.  Figure 1 shows that if we disregard the last three years, 2023-24 would be considered a bumper crop.

Barley production also received a small boost, with forecast production up 3% to 10.76mmt.  A 15% increase in expected Victorian production was the driver, offsetting a 5% fall in WA.  Again, it is a pretty good year for barley production, despite seasonal and marketing challenges.

Canola production received a 7% boost in production forecasts, as early yields were stronger than expected.  NSW and Victoria production forecasts were boosted 19 % and 12% respectively. Figure 3 shows canola production pegged at 5.52mmt, the third highest on record, which is remarkable given the drier-than-normal growing season.