FYI | May 17 2007
By Chris Shaw
It took until the last week of April for any autumn rain of note to fall but even then it wasn’t enough and seasonal conditions around Australia remain poor according to National Australia Bank’s farm outlook report.
The bank’s Agribusiness economist Skye Dixon and head of economics Australia Jeff Oughton make the point while the recent winter rains have boosted the prospects for this season’s crops, follow up rain remains critical as sub-soil moisture levels are still very low.
The rain to date has also not been evenly distributed around the country, as the report notes southern parts of Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and southern New South Wales have enjoyed solid rainfall, but Queensland and other parts of Western Australia have largely missed out.
Looking at the various regions, the report shows Queensland remains a state of two halves, with good conditions in the north supportive for cattle farmers but continued dry conditions in the southern regions and the Darling Downs in particular.
Victoria is somewhat similar as farms in the western parts of the state have enjoyed reasonable rains but those in the irrigation districts are continuing to do it tough, with potential for livestock numbers to fall further from what are already depressed levels.
Conditions in New South Wales are generally better than at this time last year but are still poor, the report highlighting the fact conditions get worse the further north you travel in the state.
Winter crops in South Australia have been boosted by recent rains, though the report notes the outlook for grape growers in the Riverland region is still poor. Cropping and livestock operators in southern Western Australia are enjoying better conditions, but a lack of moisture in the soil in other areas of the state mean winter crops are off to a slow start.
Tasmanian conditions are average overall, though livestock operators in the central Highlands and Midlands are still suffering from dry conditions.