Dryness Key to Australian Pulse Outlook

VANCOUVER - May 13/05 - SNS -- Australia is looking for a general increase in production levels for pulses in 2005-06, but any optimism is dependent on a reversal of current dry conditions in some of the major producing states, cautions Pulse Australia.

In its latest update, the industry group said, "Most of Western Australia has received good April and early May rain and plantings have commenced over almost all of the grain belt."

Unfortunately, the "whole of eastern Australia is still waiting for planting rains and the forecasts in this report are very much dependent on timely planting rains, as indicated for each crop.

"In south east cropping areas some good summer rains were received over much of Victoria and some parts of South Australia which has helped put some confidence in the seasonal prospects. Risk assessment and minimizing expenditure are high priorities in many areas desperately needing a good year ahead. Timely opening rains will be critical," Pulse Australia stressed.

Subscribers can read the full text of the article by Clicking here