Queensland

Australian Crop Report: December edition

Winter crop production in Queensland is expected to increase 71% in 2021–22 to 2.9 million tonnes, the second highest on record. The large increase in production is due to an expansion in planted area and above average yields.

Winter cropping conditions have been favourable in key growing regions throughout the 2021 season. Large rainfall events in autumn boosted soil moisture levels across the Darling Downs and parts of Central Queensland, providing ideal planting conditions. Above average rainfall in July supported the ongoing development of winter crops as they approach critical stages of flowering and grain filling in spring. However, dry conditions persisted in much of Central Queensland, and average to below average rainfall in August and September negatively impacted yield potentials in Central Queensland and western districts of the Darling Downs. As a result, above average yields are expected for winter crops in the eastern and southern parts of the Darling Downs, while average to below average yields are expected for other cropping regions. Harvest of winter crops in Queensland was largely complete prior to the heavy rainfall in November.

Summer crop production is forecast to increase 37% to 2.1 million tonnes. The large increases in production are the result of favourable climatic conditions driving increases in planting area and yields.

Average to above average rainfall in October and November will have supported the sprouting and establishment of cotton and early sown sorghum, as well as encouraging further planting of summer crops across Queensland. However, below average soil temperatures have resulted in uneven germination of cotton in some areas which have prompted replanting, especially in parts of Central Queensland. The Bureau of Meteorology's three-month rainfall outlook, issued on 18 November 2021, indicates a greater than 70% chance of above median rainfall across most Queensland cropping regions between December and February. The expected rainfall will support the ongoing development and yield potentials for dryland summer crops. For irrigated cotton, high on-farm water storage levels are expected to result in a large planting and high yield potential.

Note: Yields are based on area planted. Area based on planted crop that is harvested, fed off or failed. Percent change are relative to last year.
Sources: ABARES

Note: Yields are based on area planted, except cotton which is based on area harvested. Area based on planted crop that is harvested, fed off or failed. Percent changes are relative to last year.
Sources: ABARES