AUSTRALIA is estimated to have produced 39.2 million tonnes (Mt) of wheat, 14.1Mt of barley and 8.3Mt of canola from the 2022-23 winter-crop harvest, according to estimates released today by ABARES in its quarterly Australian Crop and Agricultural Commodities reports.

The wheat figure is up 7 percent from the previous estimate released in December of 36.6Mt, which broke the national production record set in 2021-22 of 36.3Mt.

The canola estimate is up 13pc from 7.3Mt forecast in December, which broke last year’s record of 6.8Mt.

Barley is up 6pc on the previous estimate of 13.4Mt, and sits as the third-largest crop on record, with its area being down from 2021-22 because of increases for wheat and canola.

In commentary tied to the crop report and to ABARES March quarter Agricultural Commodities Report, in the record-breaking streak for Australian agriculture, , the national forecaster said 2022-23 gross value of production was set to reach $90 billion in the year to June 30 surpassing, by more than $2 billion in nominal terms, the record set in 2021-22.

Executive director of ABARES Jared Greenville said record gross value of production is expected, despite the floods across eastern Australia.

“Australia is benefitting from a third consecutive year of high rainfall, and it shows in the figures,” Dr Greenville said.

“Once again, we’re seeing record levels of production, driven by exceptional growing conditions and high commodity prices.

“Agricultural exports are also forecast to set new records, reaching $75 billion in 2022-23.

“This is the first time we’ve seen our exports exceed $70 billion, which is a huge achievement.”

“National winter crop production has driven much of these results, with the winter crop estimated at a new record of 67.3Mt in 2022-23.

“This beats last year’s record by 4Mt and is being driven by exceptional results out of Western Australia and South Australia.

Dr Greenville said high values of livestock production have also contributed to record numbers.

Drier conditions ahead

“This year will likely be the last hurrah for the La Niña rain system for a while, and we can expect drier seasonal conditions ahead.

“However, production will continue to be supported by good soil moisture and high water storage levels.”

ABARES is forecasting the value of 2023-24 agricultural production at $81B, the third-highest on record.

“Australia has been very fortunate to have had wet years and high commodity prices, but we are expecting commodity prices to ease with competition stepping up in global markets.

“Recent high international prices have been driven by drought conditions in major exporters and disruptions from the war in Ukraine.”

Dr Greenville said seasonal conditions were expected to improve in major producing regions which will see major exporters getting back on track in 2023-24.

“Over the medium term to 2027-28, seasonal conditions are expected to return to a more normal sequence and commodity prices are expected fall.

The value of agriculture will remain strong, reaching $74.4 billion in real terms.

“However, should we see a shift back towards a drier climate sequence and global economic uncertainty carry on for longer, greater pressure will be placed on sector growth.

WHEAT	2021-22	2022-23 Dec	2022-23 Mar
Qld	2,222,000	2,150,000	2,305,000
NSW	12,029,000	9,140,000	10,260,000
Vic	4,246,000	5,370,000	5,393,000
SA	4,750,000	6,820,000	7,350,000
WA	12,919,000	13,000,000	13,800,000
Tas	70,000	87,200	82,500
Total	36,236,000	36,567,200	39,190,500

Table 1: Australian wheat production estimates in tonnes and by state. Source: ABARES

WHEAT	2021-22	2022-23 Dec	2022-23 Mar
Qld	941,000	830,000	980,000
NSW	3,608,000	3,450,000	3,600,000
Vic	1,445,000	1,550,000	1,500,000
SA	2,008,000	2,200,000	2,200,000
WA	4,718,000	4,950,000	4,750,000
Tas	9,300	16,000	15,000
Total	12,729,300	12,996,000	13,045,000

Table 2: Australian wheat area in hectares and by state. Source: ABARES

BARLEY	2021-22	2022-23 Dec	2022-23 Mar
Qld	617,000	350,000	403,000
NSW	3,562,000	2,020,000	2,278,000
Vic	2,271,000	2,910,000	2,896,000
SA	2,146,000	2,660,000	2,900,000
WA	5,758,000	5,400,000	5,600,000
Tas	24,000	55,000	60,500
Total	14,378,000	13,395,000	14,137,500

Table 3: Australian barley production estimates in tonnes and by state. Source: ABARES

BARLEY	2021-22	2022-23 Dec	2022-23 Mar
Qld	207,000	130,000	136,000
NSW	1,159,000	740,000	780,000
Vic	870,000	850,000	820,000
SA	970,000	830,000	830,000
WA	1,884,000	1,550,000	1,550,000
Tas	4,300	10,000	11,000
Total	5,094,300	4,110,000	4,127,000

Table 4: Australian barley area in hectares and by state. Source: ABARES

CANOLA	2021-22	2022-23 Dec	2022-23 Mar
Qld	4,700	3,100	10,000
NSW	2,114,000	1,300,000	1,800,000
Vic	1,303,000	1,400,000	1,383,000
SA	435,000	610,000	770,000
WA	2,954,000	4,000,000	4,300,000
Tas	9,800	10,800	10,000
Total	6,820,500	7,323,900	8,273,000

Table 5: Australian canola production estimates in tonnes and by state. Source: ABARES

CANOLA	2021-22	2022-23 Dec	2022-23 Mar
Qld	2,200	2,400	4,700
NSW	941,000	850,000	900,000
Vic	569,000	615,000	600,000
SA	222,000	290,000	290,000
WA	1,513,000	1,900,000	2,100,000
Tas	3,600	5,000	5,000
Total	3,250,800	3,662,400	3,899,700

Table 6: Australian canola area in hectares and by state. Source: ABARES

Source: ABARES