Rains boost Aussie crops
Average to above average rainfall since October in parts of Queensland and northern New South Wales may boost Australia’s grain sorghum crop 80% to a record 2,45 million tons in 2007/08. Total summer crop production is forecast to increase 40% to 3,2 million tons, well short of the record 5,3 million tons in 2000/01, and reflecting small 2007/08 rice and cotton crops. Total 2007/08 winter grains production is estimated at around 22,6 million tons, up 30% but short of the five-year average of 35 million tons. – Alan Harman
International beef exports
The US Agriculture Department predicts the US will have the biggest percentage increase in global beef exports in the next 10 years, with 1,2 million tons exported in 2007– an 88% increase over 2007. Brazil’s exports are forecast to rise 27% in the next 10 years, to 3,05 million tons in 2017. Australia will stay the world’s second-largest beef exporter after Brazil, but shouldn’t recover 2007 export levels. Their exports should drop 5% to 6% in 2008 and 2009 and stay flat through 2017. – Alan Harman
