Image: wheat CROPS

  • The gross value of principal crops in 2012-3 rose by 5% to $13.9 billion.
  • The gross value of wheat increased by 4% nationally, to $7.0 billion in 2012-13. The year saw significant increases in the price of wheat which offset a decrease in local production due to poor growing conditions. Western Australia, the largest wheat producing state, experienced dry weather during the period.
  • Canola, the second most valuable principal crop, recorded the greatest increase in value in 2012-13, up 25% to $2.2 billion, a new record. The increase was attributed to good growing conditions and a strong demand from export markets in Europe and Asia.
  • Steady demand for barley both domestically and internationally saw its value in 2012-13 increase by 16%, to $2.0 billion. The increase was driven primarily by increased prices which more than offset the 10% drop in production.
  • The gross value of cotton fell by 18% in 2012-13, to $1.9 billion. Area and production of cotton fell due to a drop in prices following record production and consequent oversupply in the previous year.

Graph Image for Value of Principal Agricultural Commodities Produced, Crops(a)

Footnote(s): (a) Data for 2013 are preliminary and may be subject to revision.

Source(s): Value of Principal Agricultural Commodities Produced, Australia, Preliminary (cat. no. 7501.0)