MEDIA RELEASE
29 May 2015	Embargo: 11.30 am (Canberra time)	62/2015

The total value of Australia’s agricultural production increased six per cent in 2013-14 to $51 billion, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

"National growth in the value of agricultural production was largely driven by an increase in the gross value of livestock disposals and products, up 13 per cent to $23 billion," said Sarah Kiely from the ABS.

Dry conditions in eastern Australia and the resulting limited feed availability saw many businesses destock, with national meat and dairy cattle, sheep and lamb numbers falling.

"This widespread turn-off of livestock saw an increase in the gross value of livestock disposals, up 12 per cent to $14.7 billion," said Ms Kiely. "Cattle and calf slaughter accounted for the majority of this increase, contributing $8.5 billion to the gross value.

"The adverse conditions in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland also resulted in poor growing conditions and reduced production for most crops."

On the other side of Australia, favourable spring conditions in Western Australia saw an increase in the state's wheat and barley production, driving up national production 11 and 23 per cent respectively. The value of these crops was estimated at $8 billion for wheat and $2.5 billion for barley.

Further information is available in Agricultural Commodities, Australia (cat. no.7121.0) and Value of Agricultural Commodities Produced, Australia (cat. no. 7503.0), available for free download from the ABS website - https://www.abs.gov.au.


Media Note:

• When reporting ABS data you must attribute the Australian Bureau of Statistics (or the ABS) as the source.
• The 2013-14 Rural Environment and Agricultural Commodities Survey (REACS) produces data for a range of agricultural commodity items, including land use, crop and horticultural area and production, livestock numbers and farm management and demographic information.