Australia: 2020/21 barley crop expected to be the second highest on record
Australias barley production is forecast to increase by 33% to 12 million tonnes in 2020/21, the second highest on record, ABARES said in its December report.
New South Wales barley production is forecast to reach a record high 3 million tonnes in 202021, 84% above the 10-year average to 201920. The average barley yield is forecast to be 3.2 tonnes per hectare, 56% above the 10-year average to 201920. Area planted to barley is estimated at 950,000 hectares.
In Queensland, barley production is estimated to have risen significantly to 240,000 tonnes in 202021, which is 13% above the 10-year average to 201920. This is largely driven by an estimated 200% increase in planted area to 135,000 hectares, which is 31% above the 10-year average.
Barley production in Victoria is forecast to increase by 10% in 202021 to around 2.7 million tonnes. Average yield is expected to increase by 3.3% to around 3.15 tonnes per hectare. Planted area is estimated to have increased by 6% to 870,000 hectares.
South Australias barley production is forecast to increase by 24% in 202021 to 2.3 million tonnes, reflecting an expected 25% increase in the state wide average yield. The expected average yield is around 19% above the 10-year average to 201920.
In Western Australia, barley production is forecast to fall by 6% in 202021 to 3.6 million tonnes, largely reflecting a forecast 9% fall in the area planted. The forecast average yield is 2% higher than in 201920. Screenings are expected to be high in barley because of staggered growth close to maturity and most is expected to be graded as feed barley.