Crop and pasture reports

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) publishes regular reports on the condition of crops and pastures in South Australia. The report provides the estimates of the area and the production for each crop and district during the cropping season.

Crop estimates are based on information provided to PIRSA and are updated throughout the season as conditions change and further information becomes available. They provide an indication of crop potential at the time the report is prepared.

Latest report

Summary

• Average to above average rainfall fell through winter for all regions of South Australia, with August being the fourth wettest on record.
• Root zone soil moisture is above to well above average for most of South Australia's agricultural regions, an exception being isolated pockets of average to below average soil moisture in some south-eastern and coastal districts.
• The seasonal outlook shows a strengthening El Niño and warmer than average sea surface temperatures contributing to an increased likelihood of below average rainfall and above average temperatures across southern Australia through spring and early summer.
• Disease pressure has increased under the wet seasonal conditions, with rusts, powdery mildew, net blotch, blackleg and sclerotinia reported across several regions.
• However, proactive monitoring and preventative fungicide programs have generally kept disease levels manageable, and significant impacts on yield potential are expected to be limited.
• While seasonal conditions remain highly favourable, wet paddocks, limited spraying opportunities, fungicide shortages and lodging in oat hay and some barley crops have created localised management challenges.
• Growers also remain alert to frost and heat risks as crops move through critical spring growth stages.
  Crop development is generally more advanced compared to an average season, supported by an early break, excellent soil moisture reserves and favourable growing conditions.
• Cereals are progressing through flag leaf emergence and into heading, pulse crops are flowering strongly, and canola crops are at or nearing the end of flowering, with yield potential considered the best seen in several years across many regions.
• The estimated grain production for 2026-27 is 11.6 million tonnes, which is 32% above the five-year average.
  Pasture and livestock conditions are exceptionally strong across most regions, with abundant feed availability, secure water supplies and widespread spring feed surpluses.
• Livestock condition is reported to be very good, supporting optimism for livestock production, with many producers focused on conserving excess feed and making hay ahead of summer.

Crop and pasture report dashboard

The PIRSA crop and pasture report dashboard displays crop area and production data, providing a simple source of crop statistical information.

South Australian crop area, production, and yield are searchable by reporting district, crop type, and season.

The data dates from the 1999–2000 season, up to and including the current season.