Introduction
1 This publication contains preliminary estimates of principal agricultural commodities and livestock numbers for the 2001-02 season, intended ewe matings for the forthcoming season, and comparative data for the previous year. These results are based on a response rate of approximately 62% of establishments from the 2002 Agricultural Commodity Survey.
Scope and coverage
2 Estimates in this publication are based on information obtained from the Agricultural Commodity Survey conducted at 30 June 2002. Before 2000, agricultural commodity statistics were collected for years ended 31 March. A study of respondent data indicated that there should be no significant difference in estimates arising from the change in the reference period.
3 The scope of the 2001-02 Agricultural Commodity Survey is establishments undertaking agricultural activity having an estimated value of agricultural operations (EVAO) of $5,000 or more. This is the same as the scope for Agricultural Censuses from 1993-94 to 1996-97 and 2000-01 and for Agricultural Commodity Surveys from 1997-98 to 1999-2000. Prior to 1993-94, the scope has varied. Details are available on request.
General
4 The estimates for 2000-01 shown in this publication have been revised where necessary.
5 Where figures have been rounded, discrepancies may occur between sums of the component items and totals.
Reliability of estimates (sample error)
6 The estimates in this publication are based on information provided by the initial respondents to the Agricultural Commodity Survey. This group of initial respondents are considered to represent a suitable sample from which estimates may be made for commonly undertaken activities for the entire population. As a representative sample they are subject to sampling variability; that is, they may differ from the figures that would be produced when all establishments have been reported for in the Agricultural Commodity Survey. One measure of the likely difference is given by the standard error (SE), which indicates the extent to which an estimate might have varied by chance because only a sample of establishments have been reported for. There are about two chances in three that a sample estimate will differ by less than one SE from the figure that would have been obtained if all establishments had been reported for, and about nineteen chances in twenty that the difference will be less than two SEs.
7 Sampling variability of the estimates is measured by the relative standard error (RSE) which is obtained by expressing the SE as a percentage of the estimate to which it refers. Most published estimates have RSEs less than 5%. For some states with limited production of certain commodities, some RSEs are greater than 25%. If an estimate is identified by a single asterisk (e.g. *2) the RSE lies between 25% and 50%. If an estimate is identified by a double asterisk (i.e. **) the RSE is above 50% and the estimate is not published. Separate indication of the RSEs of all estimates is available on request.
Relative Standard Error of selected commodities-As at 30 June 2002
|
 | NSW | Vic. | Qld | SA | WA | Tas. | NT | ACT | Aust. |
| Commodity | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | % |
|
| Wheat for grain production | 2.4 | 2.5 | 7.2 | 2.5 | 2.0 | 6.4 | . . | 69.7 | 1.2 |
| Oats for grain production | 5.1 | 6.5 | 18.2 | 11.4 | 5.1 | 6.6 | . . | - | 3.1 |
| Barley for grain production | 4.3 | 2.9 | 8.2 | 3.0 | 3.2 | 7.0 | . . | . . | 1.6 |
| Lupins for grain production | 6.9 | 9.2 | - | 9.1 | 3.9 | 30.2 | . . | . . | 3.2 |
| Canola production | 3.6 | 5.5 | 31.5 | 5.1 | 5.3 | 6.2 | . . | - | 2.4 |
| Cotton lint production | 14.9 | . . | 7.8 | . . | - | . . | . . | . . | 11.0 |
| Cereals for hay production | 8.5 | 8.9 | 10.6 | 6.9 | 7.3 | 18.1 | . . | . . | 3.9 |
| Sugar cane cut for crushing production | 24.3 | . . | 3.4 | . . | 9.7 | . . | . . | . . | 3.8 |
| Grain sorghum production | 6.9 | 44.1 | 4.8 | . . | 59.5 | . . | - | . . | 3.9 |
| Total milk cattle | 5.2 | 4.5 | 5.8 | 5.9 | 5.0 | 4.1 | - | - | 3.0 |
| Total meat cattle | 2.8 | 3.5 | 3.4 | 3.7 | 6.0 | 3.1 | 5.5 | 6.6 | 1.8 |
| Total sheep and lambs | 2.3 | 2.3 | 6.1 | 2.7 | 2.2 | 3.1 | 78.2 | 8.5 | 1.2 |
| Total pigs | 4.5 | 10.2 | 6.6 | 7.6 | 9.9 | 3.4 | 1.5 | . . | 3.4 |
|
ABS data available on request
8 As well as the statistics included in this and related publications, the ABS may have other relevant data available on request. Inquiries should be made to either Gordon Cameron on Hobart 03 6222 5939 or the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070.
Final estimates
9 Final estimates for the 2001-2002 season will be published in June 2003 in Agricultural Commodities, Australia (cat. no. 7121.0).
General acknowledgment
10 ABS publications draw extensively on information provided freely by individuals, businesses, governments and other organisations. Their continued cooperation is very much appreciated. Without it, the wide range of statistics published by the ABS would not be available. Information received by the ABS is treated in strict confidence as required by the Census and Statistics Act 1905.
Related publications
11 A range of agricultural publications is produced by the ABS, including:
Principal Agricultural Commodities, Australia, Preliminary (cat. no. 7111.0)
Agriculture, Australia (cat. no. 7113.0)
Agricultural Commodities, Australia (cat. no. 7121.0)
Livestock Products, Australia (cat. no. 7215.0)
12 Current publications and other products released by the ABS are listed in the Catalogue of Publications and Products, Australia (cat. no. 1101.0). The Catalogue is available from any ABS office or the ABS web site. The ABS also issues a daily Release Advice on the web site which details products to be released in the week ahead.
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