SUMMARY OF FINDINGS


NATIONAL ESTIMATES

In 2008-09 the gross value of total Australian agricultural production was $41.8 billion, a decrease of 3% (or $1.4 billion) from 2007-08.

The value of crops fell by 4% to $22.9 billion in 2008-09, with livestock products decreasing by 15%, down to $6.2 billion, driven by falls in the value of wool and milk. Livestock slaughterings and other disposals rose to $12.8 billion, with increases in the value of sheep and lambs, cattle and calves and poultry.

Marketing costs accounted for $3.1 billion (or 7%) of the total gross value of agricultural production in 2008-09.

Crops

Increases in the production of many broadacre crops (following the drought conditions of 2007-08) were offset by price declines in 2008-09, resulting in decreased gross values.

In 2008-09 there was a $729.1 million increase in the value of wheat for grain. Cotton values returned to pre 2007-08 levels, nearly tripling to $650.8 million, and the value of canola increased by 54%, up to $1.0 billion. In contrast, the decline in crop value was highlighted by falls in the gross values of barley (down by 18%), grain sorghum (down by 43%) and hay (down by 43%).

Falls in production and average prices for grapes in 2008-09 contributed to their reduced gross value, decreasing by 28% to $1.2 billion.


Livestock slaughterings and other disposals

In 2008-09, live animal exports contributed to a 1% increase in the total value of cattle and calves slaughterings and other disposals, up to $7.5 billion.

Increases in the average prices of sheep and lambs in 2008-09 offset the continued decline in slaughterings. The gross total value of sheep and lamb slaughterings and other disposals rose by 15% to $2.5 billion.

The gross total value of pig slaughterings and other disposals declined to $894.7 million (down by 1%) after falling production levels were recorded in 2008-09.

The gross total value of poultry slaughterings rose by 14% to $1.9 billion in 2008-09, following increases in production and average prices.


Livestock products

In 2008-09, there were falls in the total value of production of both wool and milk, with noticeable decreases in average prices. The value of milk fell by 13% to $4.0 billion and wool was down by 22% to $1.8 billion.