Australia: Grain and Feed Update
Post forecast Australian wheat production at 21 million metric tons (MMT) for 2018/19, 12.5 percent below the official forecast, due to hot conditions and low rainfall in eastern Australia. Barley production is forecast at 9.5 MMT as a result of a larger harvested area and higher prices. Sorghum production is expected to increase to 2 MMT in 2018/19, in response to higher export and domestic demand, as well as an expanded harvest area. Rice production is forecast to be stable at 0.45 MMT in 2018/19, due to competition from other crops such as cotton.