ABARES Executive Director Dr Jared Greenville said the Australian Crop Report forecast another harvest well above the historical average.

“This year is looking set to be another strong year for growers, with the national winter crop harvest projected to be 54.8 million tonnes,” Dr Greenville said.

“This is about 32 per cent above the ten-year average to 2020-21, although it is a slight fall of about 2 per cent on last year’s harvest.

“Given the winter crop in 2020-21 was the second largest on record, this is still a substantial result.

“The area sown to winter crops this year is at record and stands at 23.2 million hectares.

“It’s set to be a particularly good year for canola, with the national crop forecast to be a record-breaking 5 million tonnes, an increase of 11 per cent.

“We’ve had excellent growing conditions throughout June and July this year, with average or above average rainfall in most cropping regions.

“Rainfall was lower in August but there were ample reserves of soil moisture to sustain crops.

“Looking at the three-month forecast, spring rainfall is set to be above average in the eastern states and South Australia – just what is needed to finish the winter crop off.

“Another good year, however, provides the opportunity for the high mouse numbers of last year to return, and we are already seeing a high prevalence of mice in some cropping regions.

“At the moment, mouse numbers are highest in southern Queensland and northern and central New South Wales. There are also high populations in central Queensland and around Geraldton in Western Australia.

“While local losses can be expected, mouse numbers are unlikely to significantly lower national production. Mice are also likely to increase production costs and may affect grain stored on-site in affected regions.”

The Australian Crop Report is available at https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-topics/agricultural-outlook/australian-crop-report.