The 2023-24 crop growing season is well under way with the emergence of early sown crops already starting to occur in some areas.

Crop seeding in most South Australian regions began in mid-late April following modest rainfall events.

While overall there has been no substantial change to the crop mix for the 2023-24 season the gradual reduction in the barley area experienced in recent seasons continues, mainly replaced by wheat along with a slight increase in the lentil area as more growers explore this crop as a rotation option.

The area sown to hay is expected to slightly increase compared to last season.

With the Bureau of Meteorology’s seasonal outlook for a low to very low chance of exceeding median rainfall during winter months along with the current El Nino watch and drying soil moisture conditions in many districts has prompted some concerns among producers.

However, this has been tempered with global prices expecting to stay above the long-term average.

The early weed germination provided the opportunity to achieve good knockdown control of weeds and volunteer crops prior to seeding in all regions.

Mice populations have been observed in some districts, with a patchy distribution.

Similarly, red-legged mites are evident in some districts.

Cooler conditions in April, together with drying soil moisture, has meant modest Autumn pasture growth.

Ongoing labour shortages for shearing and livestock management has also resulted in some producers considering reductions in sheep numbers, or changes to self-shedding breeds.

Department of Primary Industries and Regions Industry and Economic Analysis assistant director Matthew Palmer said the season was off to a steady start with yield predictions cautiously optimistic.

“While some growers, particularly those in the more marginal production districts are taking a conservative position given current Bureau of Meteorology forecasts, we are currently anticipating four million hectares to be sown this season,” he said.

Grains Producers SA chief executive Brad Perry said timely rains in the past fortnight had paved the way for a positive start to the grain season with germination already occurring in many cropping districts.

“The Crop and Pasture report provides a conservative estimate of tonnage for the season and we expect this to increase, although this will be largely reliant on finishing rainfall later in the year,” he said.