In its Value of Agricultural Commodities Produced report, the ABS noted the gross value of wheat increased 33 per cent to $13.1 billion in 2021-22 while the gross value of canola doubled to $6 billion.
The gross value of livestock disposals increased 12 per cent to $25 billion and the gross value of livestock products increased seven per cent to $9 billion.
The ABS says the second year of La Nina conditions resulted in a mixed season for broadacre and horticultural crop production in the eastern states. Flooding across areas of New South Wales and Queensland from November into December 2021 affected the growth and harvesting of many winter crops while South Australia and Victoria experienced destructive hailstorms in January 2022.
In comparison to the eastern states, Western Australia experienced improved soil moisture levels and highly favourable growing conditions during 2021-22 resulting a bumper harvest for the state's broadacre crops, notably wheat and canola.
The ABS data shows crop results for 2021-22 as follows:
• $13.1 billion for wheat (up 33 pe cent from 2020-21)
• $6.0 billion for canola (up 105 per cent)
• $4.4 billion for barley (up 17 per cent)
• $4.2 billion for cotton (up 186 per cent)
The gross value of livestock disposals increased 12 per cent to $25 billion in 2021-22. Graziers used the improved seasonal conditions and better pastures as an opportunity to rebuild their stocks which has resulted in tighter supply for meat producers and increased prices.
The key livestock results for 2021-22 were:
• $15.3 billion for cattle and calves (up 14 per cent from 2020-21)
• $4.9 billion for sheep and lambs (up 14 per cent)
• $3.2 billion for poultry (up nine per cent)
• $1.6 billion for pigs (up one per cent)
• $9.1 billion for livestock products such as wool, milk and eggs (up seven per cent)
