7111.0 - Principal Agricultural Commodities, Australia, Preliminary, 2000-01  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 30/10/2001   
   Page tools: Print Print Page Print all pages in this productPrint All

ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION

This publication contains preliminary estimates of principal agricultural commodities and livestock numbers for the 2000-2001 season, intended ewe matings for the forthcoming season and comparative data for earlier years.

The ABS plans to release second (or near final) commodity estimates at State and Australian level on the ABS website in May 2002. Final estimates for the 2000-2001 season will be published in July 2002 in Agricultural Commodities, Australia (Cat. no. 7121.0).


AREA OF CROPS

Preliminary estimates for 2000-2001 show increases in the area of all major crops except lupins and canola.

The estimated area of wheat sown in Australia during 2000-2001 increased by 7% from 12.2 million hectares in 1999-2000 to 13.0 million hectares in 2000-2001. This was a result of increased plantings in all States except Queensland.

The total area of barley planted for grain increased by 42% from 2.6 million hectares in 1999-2000 to 3.7 million hectares in 2000-2001, as farmers responded to better price prospects for barley and were able to take advantage of the late season break. Significant increases were recorded in all States apart from Queensland, which fell slightly. The biggest increase in area planted was recorded in Western Australia, up by 91% to 1.0 million hectares, after very low plantings in the previous season.

The total area of sorghum planted for grain increased by 31% from 622,000 hectares in 1999-2000 to 818,000 hectares in 2000-2001. This was a result of significant increases in plantings in the main growing States of New South Wales and Queensland (up by 88,300 hectares and 105,000 hectares respectively).

The total area sown to oats increased by 20% to 698,000 hectares in 2000-2001, after recording a 56 year low the previous year. There were increased plantings recorded in all States.

The total area of lupins fell for a third successive year. Plantings were down in Western Australia, the main growing State.

The area planted to canola in Australia fell by 18%, from the record 1.9 million hectares in 1999-2000 to 1.6 million hectares in 2000-2001. This was mainly due to decreased plantings in Western Australia, the main growing State.

The area planted to cotton in Australia increased by 28%, from 436,000 hectares in 1999-2000 to an estimated 559,000 hectares in 2000-2001, with increases recorded in the main growing States of New South Wales and Queensland. The biggest increase in plantings was in New South Wales, with area up by 40% to 368,000 hectares, after a fall in the previous year.

graph - AREA OF CROPS



PRODUCTION OF CROPS

Production of wheat was down from last year's record, falling by 4% or 991,000 tonnes to 23.8 million tonnes in 2000-2001. This fall was largely due to the drought in Western Australia, reducing production in that State by 31% or 2.8 million tonnes to 6.2 million tonnes. Other significant falls were recorded in New South Wales and Queensland with both States experiencing flood or drought in some areas. In contrast, both Victoria and South Australia experienced favourable growing conditions with a record crop in South Australia and a near record crop in Victoria.

Barley production rose by 43% to 7.2 million tonnes in 2000-2001. The South Australian and Victorian crops showed significant increases in production due to favourable conditions in 1999-2000. Drought in Western Australia and flood in New South Wales partially offset the increased plantings in these States, although both States still recorded increased production. South Australia was again the main barley producing State, increasing by 77% to a record 2.5 million tonnes.

Grain sorghum production remained steady at 2.1 million tonnes. Decreased production in Queensland, the main producing State, was largely offset by increases in other States.

The estimate for the production of oats revealed little change at 1.1 million tonnes, with increases in Victoria and South Australia being offset by decreases in New South Wales and Western Australia. Victoria and Western Australia were the largest producing States with 384,000 tonnes and 342,000 tonnes respectively.

The production of lupins fell by nearly 50% due to drought conditions in Western Australia, the main growing State.

The production of canola fell by 23% to 1.9 million tonnes in 2000-2001 due to a significant decrease in Western Australia (down 60% to 383,000 tonnes). New South Wales overtook drought affected Western Australia as the main canola producing State, with production up by 9% to 898,000 tonnes.

The production of cotton lint remained steady at 696,000 tonnes in 2000-2001, with an increase in New South Wales being offset by a decrease in Queensland.

graph - PRODUCTION OF CROPS



LIVESTOCK

Milk Cattle

Preliminary estimates of milk cattle numbers indicate an increase in the national herd, with numbers up by 8% to 3.4 million cattle at 30 June 2001. Increases were recorded in all States except Queensland, which fell slightly. Victoria continued to dominate the industry with 2.1 million milk cattle, or 61% of the nation's herd.

graph - Milk Cattle



Meat Cattle

Preliminary estimates indicate continued growth in meat cattle numbers with the national herd estimated to be 25.4 million head at 20 June 2001. This reflects strong international demand and the expectation of continued trade advantages from a low Australian dollar. Increases were recorded in all States except Queensland, which fell by 2% due to the combined effects of increased turnoff and drought conditions. The Queensland meat cattle herd of 11.3 million head represented 44% of the total herd, while the New South Wales herd of 6.0 million head represented 24% of the total herd.

graph - Meat Cattle



Sheep and lambs

Preliminary estimates indicate the size of the sheep and lamb flock was 120 million at 30 June 2001. This was up slightly from the previous year. An increase in the Victorian flock was mostly offset by decreases in New South Wales and Western Australia.

The number of ewes intended to be mated during the year ended 30 June 2002 was estimated to be 52.8 million head. Actual matings for the year ended 30 June 2001 (51.1 million) were 4% higher than actual matings reported in the previous year.

There were 41.7 million lambs marked during the year, which was little changed from the previous year.

graph - Sheep and lambs



Pigs

Preliminary estimates show a rise in pig numbers, up by 10% to 2.8 million head at 30 June 2001, with increases reported in all States. This increase is believed to reflect the expectation of continued strong export demand.

graph - Pigs




EXPLANATORY NOTES

Introduction

1 This publication contains preliminary estimates of principal agricultural commodities and livestock numbers for the 2001-01 season, intended ewe matings for the forthcoming season, and comparative data for earlier years. These results are based on a response rate of approximately 65% of establishments from the 2001 Agricultural Census.

Scope and coverage


2
Estimates in this publication are based on information obtained from the Agricultural Census conducted at 30 June 2001. Prior to 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 2000-01 Agricultural Census 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 for the 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 earlier years 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.

Sample error


6
The estimates in this publication are based on information provided by the initial respondents to the Agricultural Census. 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 Census. 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
In this publication, sampling variability of the estimates is measured by the relative SE which is obtained by expressing the SE as a percentage of the estimate to which it refers. Most published estimates have relative SEs less than 5%. For some States with limited production of certain commodities, some relative SEs are greater than 25%. If an estimate is identified by a single asterisk (e.g. *2) the relative SE lies between 25% and 50%. If an estimate is identified by a double asterisk (i.e. **) the relative SE is above 50% and the estimate is not published. Separate indication of the relative SEs of all estimates is available on request .


RELATIVE STANDARD ERROR OF SELECTED COMMODITIES-As at 30 June 2001

NSW
Vic.
Qld
SA
WA
Tas.
NT
ACT
Aust.
Commodity
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

Wheat for grain production
0.9
0.9
2.2
0.6
0.6
3.7
. .
-
0.4
Oats for grain production
1.8
1.9
8.8
2.7
1.4
3.6
. .
-
0.9
Barley for grain production
1.7
1.1
3.1
0.8
1.1
3.1
. .
-
0.5
Lupins for grain production
2.8
3.9
33.0
2.6
1.5
17.3
. .
-
1.2
Canola production
1.5
1.5
23.8
1.8
1.6
9.7
. .
-
0.9
Cotton lint production
5.7
. .
3.6
. .
-
. .
. .
. .
4.1
Cereals for hay production
4.9
3.0
4.3
2.0
2.3
6.3
-
47.8
1.3
Sugar cane cut for crushing production
2.2
. .
1.1
. .
6.0
. .
. .
. .
1.1
Grain sorghum production
3.5
23.0
2.1
. .
54.4
. .
-
-
1.9
Total milk cattle
1.6
0.7
1.5
1.9
2.1
2.2
. .
. .
0.5
Total meat cattle
0.8
0.7
0.9
1.3
2.4
1.4
2.4
7.9
0.5
Total sheep and lambs
0.5
0.6
1.6
0.7
0.6
1.4
55.9
8.2
0.3
Total pigs
2.4
5.8
4.1
2.8
2.7
4.6
25.4
-
1.8



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.

Electronic release


9 The ABS plans to release second (or near final) commodity estimates at State and Australian level on the ABS website in May 2002. Final estimates for the 2000-2001 season will be published in July 2002 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:
  • 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 standard products and services are listed in the Catalogue of Publications and Products (Cat. no. 1101.0). The ABS also issues, on Tuesdays and Fridays, a Release Advice (Cat. no. 1105.0) which lists publications to be released in the next few days. The Catalogue and Release Advice are available from any ABS office.