The Australian Harvest.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 251, 20 November 1903, Page 3

The Australian Harvest.

The following is from Messrs H. M. Sutton and Co.'s monthly review of the Australian grain and produce markets '—"Never in the agricultural history O'f Australia has there been such a growth throughout the States generally, wheat crops in the early districts running from 5J ft to Gift, high, and oats to 7ft high. The total New South Wales area under wheat is estimated at 1,826,943 acres, as compared with 1,501,704 acres last year, and 35,804 acres less than the record year, 1900, when 1,862,752 acres were under this crop. Although it is expected that large quantities of hay wilt be cut, it is probable that, in consequence of the rain delaying haymaking, a larger area will be reaped for grain, if crops stand up, than otherwise would have been the case. We have received from constituents numerous estimates of their wheat crops, expected to yield from 25 to 32 bushels per acre, and in some cases over The highest average yield per acre ever obtained in New South Wales since records have been kept was in 1886, when 17.4 bushels were harvested, the area then being 337 730 acres. It is fair to assume that given tine weather and no s « V ere damaging gales, but allowing- for 1.000,000■ acres. The long drought having rested and enriched the S, th<! ■ hi . ffhest Po»'t—l7 bushels -»iay again be reached, which would give a 25i million bushel crop. This would give I6j million' bushels for export, against six millions, the next largest, j„ 1 90 1. The aurp , Uß for export would be worth £2 475000, and the total values of ' this large crop, if realised, should be worth at least £3,7x2,500. Vic-i toria is counting on a 26,500,000 bushel crop ; South Australia, 14,000,000 ; and Queensland, 3,000,000; total for the four principal States' 69,000,000 bushels, worth over £10,000,000. This, alter providing, for feed and seed, and allowing that West Australia about supplies herself, would give an exportable surplus from the Commonwealth «f about 41 million bushels. We hear of country millers offering 2s lid and 3s per bushel on rail country, and, in some cases, being refused. It .is apparent the millers want to be in first this year, and not have to buy from the shippers again."