Farm value forecast to be $61.4 billion in drier year - ABARES
- By: "Farm Tender" News
- Hay & Fodder News
- Jul 19, 2018
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The value of farm production is forecast to $61.4 billion in 2018–19, well above the 10-year average of $55 billion (in real terms), according to ABARES Agricultural commodities: June quarter 2018.
ABARES Executive Director, Dr Steve Hatfield-Dodds said that while some sectors may see a decline in production next year as a result of the drier than average autumn conditions, the forecast rise in the overall value of farm production was good news.
“Although the first quarter of 2018 was marked by hot and dry conditions particularly in eastern Australia, the value of crop production in 2018–19 is forecast to remain unchanged at $31 billion,” said Dr Hatfield-Dodds.
“We’re also expecting the value of livestock production to rise by 3 per cent to $30 billion, contributing to growth.
“Strong demand for Australian lamb, wool and cotton exports is expected to partly offset weaker demand for Australian beef and veal, and falling crop exports.
“Despite a higher value of production, the value of exports is forecast to fall by 2 per cent to $47 billion in 2018–19, as export earnings decline for barley, canola, chickpeas and sugar.”
Export earnings for fisheries products are also forecast to increase by 1 per cent in 2018–19 to $1.6 billion, on the back of an estimated 9 per cent increase in 2017–18.
Ongoing risks to the agricultural sector include the persistence of dry conditions beyond winter in eastern Australia, and increasing competition in key export markets.
Read the more detailed report here http://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/publications/display?url=http://143.188.17.20/anrdl/DAFFService...
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