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

• South Australia has enjoyed one of the strongest starts to a cropping season in recent years, with well above average autumn and early winter rainfall supporting excellent crop establishment and strong early growth.
• There are high subsoil moisture reserves across most regions.
• Some areas have experienced waterlogging and delays with spraying operations, but seasonal conditions have generally been highly favourable.
• Crop development is running well ahead of normal, with canola flowering earlier than usual, cereals progressing rapidly through vegetative growth stages and some lentils at canopy closure.
• Pest and disease pressure has been higher this season in response to the favourable growing conditions:
  • Reports of green peach aphid together with turnip yellows virus in canola have been prevalent.
  • Fungal diseases in barley (leaf rust and net blotch) have been common across different regions.
  • Most pest and disease issues are being managed effectively through timely monitoring and control measures.
• Strong pre-sowing weed control opportunities and good pre-emergent herbicide performance have resulted in cleaner crops than in recent seasons.
• Good growing conditions have also supported exceptional pasture growth and abundant feed supplies across the state, resulting in excellent livestock condition, reduced reliance on supplementary feeding and strong lambing and calving performance.
• Livestock producer confidence is generally high, supported by strong livestock prices and some of the best grazing conditions seen in recent years.
• Concerns around mice have eased considerably following effective baiting programs, with little reported impact on crops.
• Although fertiliser and fuel costs remain elevated, they have reduced from recent peaks, and improved product availability has enabled growers to implement planned seeding and nitrogen fertiliser topdressing programs.
• Wheat area is near average, barley area has increased slightly, and lentils continue to expand as the dominant pulse crop.
• Canola and durum plantings have recovered from last season's reduced levels.
• The estimated grain production for 2026–27 is 9.8 million tonnes, which is 11% above the 5-year average.
• While there is cautious optimism about yield prospects given seasonal progress to date, achieving potential is still reliant on late winter and spring rainfall, and an absence of adverse weather events during flowering and grain fill.
• The Bureau of Meteorology outlook indicates an increased likelihood of drier conditions through late winter and spring due to El Niño influences, along with warmer temperatures.
• Caution is also warranted as this season’s earlier crop development and maturity creates greater vulnerability to possible frost events. Given these factors, yield estimates remain conservative.

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.