On Tuesday, ABARES released its latest Australian Crop Report.

Average to well above average rainfalls over the winter and spring periods in the eastern states and South Australia provided excellent growing conditions for broadacre crops. However, recent rainfalls have delayed harvesting and reduced crop quality.

Total national winter crop production for 2010/11 is forecast to be 43.2 million tonnes – a 22 per cent increase on the previous year.

For South Australia, winter crop production is expected to rise by 36 per cent to 9.7 million tonnes in 2010/11.

The forecast is based on seasonal conditions up to 6th December 2010 and “the assumption that the weather conditions will allow crops to be harvested”. Recent rains suggest that crop yields may turn out to be lower than expected. At the very least, some further reduction in crop quality can be expected.