Seeding underway but dependent on rain

Seeding is steadily underway despite the ongoing dry conditions but the lack of rain may result in a reduction in total planted area.

According to the latest Crop and Pasture Report, produced by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), current estimates are for around the 10-year average of 3.9 million hectares to be sown which could see a 2025-26 crop at 8.2 million tonnes.

Achieving average yield will depend on the amount of rainfall during the growing season, the nature of any adverse weather events, and the timing of crop germination and establishment.

This preliminary estimate of cropped area for this growing season is higher than the previous season based on the assumption that less crop will be cut for hay but if dry conditions persist the total crop may reduce significantly from this initial estimate.
Concerns over late season opening rains and carry over of residues of some herbicides is likely to result in less canola, bean, chickpea and durum being sown, leading to increased areas for wheat and barley. Lentils are also forecast to increase by an additional 5% across the state.

With minimal available stubble and no pasture growth during autumn, livestock condition is below average with supplementary feeding and destocking being undertaken by producers as management strategies to preserve livestock health and soil condition.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s modelling predicts the El Nino Oscillation (ENSO), which is currently neutral, to continue until at least November. The current forecast outlook is for average winter conditions, with no strong signals for either significantly wetter or drier weather.

The State Government continues to support farmers through the $73 million Drought Support Package, which includes a further $13 million for the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Rebate Scheme.

Under the scheme, farmers can apply for grants of up to $20,000 for projects to manage drought conditions and strengthen drought preparedness. So far, the State Government has approved 2,500 applications with processing times now under 30 days.

Through the Drought Support Package, the State Government has also funded the transport costs of charities to deliver more than 12,000 tonnes of donated fodder to almost 1,400 farms across South Australia, with more deliveries on the way.

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.