NOTES

FORTHCOMING ISSUES

ISSUE	Release Date
April 2011	10 June 2011
May 2011	8 July 2011
June 2011	5 August 2011

ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION

This publication provides monthly estimates of stocks and use for wheat, and quarterly estimates for barley as well as selected other grains and pulses for selected manufacturing and agricultural businesses, licensed exporters and bulk grain handlers. These estimates are compiled from various surveys conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), including the Grain Handlers Stocks Survey, Wheat Use Survey, Wheat Export Sales Survey, and from administrative data relating to wheat grain exports. Estimates from the surveys are combined with export trade data to provide monthly estimates of the volume of wheat grain stored, used, or committed for use.

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) uses these data to compile a monthly report on the Australian wheat industry. The current scope and coverage of the collections is understood to account for the majority of Australia's grain stored, used and committed.

For more information on stocks of grain held by bulk grain handlers, including barley and selected other grains, see Stocks of Grain Held by Bulk Handling Companies and Grain Traders, Australia (cat. no. 7122.0.55.001).

The ABS welcomes any comments from readers regarding the usefulness, range and quality of the statistics presented in this publication. Comments can be forwarded to: The Environment and Agriculture Business Statistics Centre, Australian Bureau of Statistics, GPO Box 66, Hobart TAS 7001. Alternatively, email <agriculture.statistics@abs.gov.au> or phone (03) 6222 5939.

Further information may be obtained by emailing <agriculture.statistics@abs.gov.au> or by calling (03) 6222 5909.


EFFECT OF FLOODS

Extensive flooding began in late December 2010 in Queensland and was more extensive in both Queensland and other states in January 2011. While these floods affected the wheat harvest in some areas, impacts on the total stocks of wheat grain held by bulk grain handlers cannot be determined. The quality of the wheat grain harvested has been affected by the recent weather events even though the total volume of wheat grain harvested is higher than in previous years.


IN THIS ISSUE

Stocks of barley and selected other grains and pulses were not updated for the December 2010 quarter. Updated estimates for the March 2011 quarter appear in this March 2011 issue, after which further updates will not be published. The publication of monthly data on stocks of wheat grain held by bulk grain handlers will continue unchanged.


INQUIRIES

For further information about these and related statistics, contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070.