Updated Pulse Production Summary for Australia

VANCOUVER - Pulse production estimates contained in last week's Australian Bureau of Agricultural Resource Economics (ABARE) crop report were correct in aggregate, but the details were missing because of delays obtaining the latest copy of Pulse Australia's source data.

The numbers do not materially change forecast production levels, but add date for the break down of chickpea and lupin output by class. This year's kabuli chickpea crop in Australia is expected to total 28,550 metric tons (MT) and desi 437,900 MT, up from 11,250 and 221,100 M

Commenting on the situation in Australia this year, Pulse Australia said, "As in spring last year, pulse production across the country is balanced on a knife edge for want of rain. The divide from west to east continues with Western Australia still stuttering through a dry year, while the eastern half of the country requires a substantial spring rain to fulfil some of the potential provided earlier in the season.

"September rainfall is extremely critical to achieving the current forecast. Rainfall in the next two weeks will increase production, while a lack of rain will see the forecast decrease substantially. The next Pulse Market Overview, due in late October, will provide a clearer picture of pulse production in Australia for 2007.

"Rainfall across most of the country was about average for July but reduced to a trickle in August. Continuing light showers in September are not keeping up with demand and pulses are losing potential. The exception is Queensland and northern NSW where falls of between 50 and 100mm has almost secured chickpea yield by replenishing soil moisture levels. Consequently, the pulse production forecast for Australia has declined markedly since the report on July 31," the industry gropup said.

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