Harvest completed but significant rainfall needed to improve conditions

The latest Crop and Pasture Report – Post Harvest, produced by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), shows the state’s grain production is 43 per cent below the five-year average with an estimated farm gate value of $2.1 billion.

With well below average rainfall across all cropping regions and extremely low stored soil moisture, significant rainfall is required to return to neutral conditions.

Despite the severe seasonal challenges experienced throughout South Australia’s cropping districts, modern farming practices that conserve moisture and improve water use efficiency have enabled crop yields that were not possible historically.

Pasture cover continues to be poor with farmers continuing to source fodder from non-traditional sources. The State Government is partnering with charities through the $6 million SA Donated Fodder Transport Drought Assistance Scheme to assist with the cost of transporting donated fodder to farmers in need. To date the scheme has supported charities to deliver more than 4,200 tonnes of donated fodder to 436 primary producers.

The Drought Support Package also includes a further $13 million for the State Government’s On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Rebate Scheme where drought-affected farmers can apply for grants up to $20,000 for projects to manage drought conditions and strengthen drought preparedness.

Primary producers and rural small business owners experiencing financial hardship can also apply for the State Government’s Rural Support Grants, administered by the Rural Business Support Relief Fund, which provide up to $1,500 in financial assistance.

For more information about drought assistance visit: pir.sa.gov.au/drought-support

To view the latest Crop & Pasture Report visit: www.pir.sa.gov.au/cropreport