SA crops were short, light and quick to harvest in 2024-25, which produced the state’s smallest winter crop since 2008-09. Photo: Corbin Schuster

PRIMARY Industries and Regions South Australia has cut its estimate for the state’s 2024-25 winter crop to 5.2 million tonnes (Mt), making it the smallest since 4.9Mt was harvested in 2008-09.

The SA Government body’s previous estimate for the 2024-25 crop and based on conditions as of September 20 was 5.9Mt.

In its 2024-25 Crop Performance Summary based on information as at January 15, the 5.2Mt total is seen as being 43 percent below the five-year average figure following well below-average rainfall for all cropping regions of SA.

“Localised rainfall events occurred during December, however regional totals were generally near or below average for the month,” the report said.

“Crop performances were poor in many regions, with yield potential limited by the combination of late crop emergence, a dry winter and the early onset of spring conditions.”

“Severe frost events in September led to further yield reductions, due to severely frosted crops being cut for hay as a salvage strategy.”

“In marginal cropping regions, significant areas of failed crops were utilised for grazing rather than harvested for grain, further reducing harvested grain production.”

Yield reports from harvested crops were significantly below average, but the report said widespread rainfall which occurred during October stabilised crop yield potential in later districts due to improved grain and pod fill, and slowed grain maturation.

Crop yields were further sustained by a lack of extreme heat and/or wind events during ripening and harvest.

“The estimate of total cropping area is lower than the previous five years due to less crop area being sown in marginal cropping districts in response to the dry seasonal start.”

“The total crop area harvested for grain was further reduced by the impact of frost where damaged crops were cut for hay where there was sufficient biomass.”

“Despite the severe seasonal challenges experienced throughout SA’s cropping districts, modern farming practices that conserve moisture and improve water use efficiency have enabled crop yields that would not be possible historical.”

Record lentil area a buffer

While SA’s wheat and barley area planted in 2024-25 was below the five-year average to 2023-24 due to the late and patchy break in the season, lentil area at 408,600ha was a record.

However, the tough season saw an average lentil yield of 1.1t/ha, below the five-year average yield of 1.83t/ha.

SA’s 2024-25 lentil crop of 451,555t crop was up on the five-year average of 359,000t from 196,000ha, but below the record production of 527,250t harvested in 2022-23 from 191,600t.

Faba bean area in 2024-25 at 105,400ha was up slightly on the five-year average of 117,540t, but production at 117,540t was close to half the five-year average of 230,600t.

Table 1: Crop estimates against five-year average. Source: PIRSA

Impact on pastures

The report said lower quantities of pasture hay were  cut in the Fleurieu and South East regions due to low biomass production, with the likelihood of increased reliance on cereal hay supplies for supplementary feeding of livestock.

Dry conditions in SA continue, as does poor pasture cover due to the lack of significant summer rainfall.

“Crop stubbles have limited grazing value this summer due to the lower quantities of dry matter produced.

“Supplementary feeding and destocking continues for many livestock producers in response to the lack of paddock feed. Livestock condition remains below average.”

Source: PIRSA