Aussie Canola Production Down from a Year Ago but Still Large

Australian farmers will harvest a smaller 2024-25 canola crop compared to a year earlier, although it will be no slouch either. 

In a crop report Monday, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (Abares), estimated national canola output at 5.6 million tonnes. That is down 8% from a year earlier but still represents an increase of approximately 100,000 tonnes from the organization’s September projection and is the fourth largest on record. 

Australia is key competitor to Canada in international canola markets. 

Abares said the year-over-year decline in canola production was driven by a decrease in total area planted and lower yields – a result of dry conditions in southeastern Australia where a significant proportion of the national canola crop is grown. Planted area, however, remains above the 10-year average, it said. 

Meanwhile, the report pegged Australian wheat production at 31.9 million tonnes, up just slightly from September but 23% above a year earlier and 20% above the 10-year average. 

Barley output is estimated to increase by 8% to 11.7 million tonnes in 2024–25, 3% above the 10-year average  

On the other hand, Aussie lentil production in 2024-25 is projected to fall 29% on the year to 1.1 million tonnes. That is down a hefty 34% from the September estimate, mainly because of reduced crop prospects in South Australia and Victoria. However, forecast production remains well above the 10-year average of 764,000 tonnes, a result of an estimated record planted area. 

At 1.9 million tonnes, estimated 2024-25 Australian chickpea production is up 42% from September and a whopping 284% above the previous year due to a record high yield and a sharply higher planted area. 

All told, Australian winter crop production is forecast to increase by 16% to 55.1 million tonnes in 2024–25. This is 17% above the 10-year average of 47.1 million tonnes, and if realized, will be the fifth highest result on record.