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February 15, 2002
Australia Cotton: Conditions Favorable
Summary
USDA expects near-average yields for most New South Wales cotton valleys. Temperature and precipitation patterns in Queensland are similar enough to last season to anticipate above-average yields there as well. Positive conditions in some parts of Queensland are corroborated with satellite data.
The two Australian states account for over 99 percent of Australia's total cotton production. Based on the last five seasons, New South Wales produces 72 percent of the crop, with Queensland accounting for the remainder. The current crop was planted in November 2001, and will be harvested in April 2002. Queensland irrigated cotton comprised 85 percent of the cotton produced in Queensland. New South Wales irrigated cotton production accounts for 94 percent of the state's total production. Assuming adequate soil moisture, cotton yields are significantly dependent on warm sunny days.
Precipitation
Queensland has endured dry conditions for several months. A dry winter season significantly reduced the winter grain harvest. Precipitation in both states at the beginning of the summer crop season improved short-term conditions for sowing, but have been insufficient to recharge low irrigation reserves. In New South Wales cumulative precipitation is below normal but similar to the 1999/2000 season. New South Wales produced above average yields in 1999. Queensland cumulative precipitation is normal and slightly below last season. Last season Queensland produced record yields on irrigated land.
Temperatures
In Queensland, this season's cumulative daily temperature pattern is very similar to 2000/01 season when record yields were achieved in irrigated valleys. However, lack of irrigation water will likely offset gains from beneficial warmer temperatures in some areas. New South Wales cumulative temperature pattern over the cotton valley is between that of the two previous seasons.
Satellite Data
In these year-to-year comparisons of two regions of the Darling Downs, bright red represents Queensland summer crops. Fallow fields are shown as blue tones. The Darling Downs cotton valley, located in southern Queensland, is one of the most productive irrigated valleys in Queensland. Much of this valley can be seen in the northeast corner of the subscene maps, where intense summer crops are visible. In both sets of scenes, the 2002 season appears more favorable with larger areas of summer crops and overall better vegetation health. Sustaining this season's yield potential is dependent upon continued availability of soil moisture and effective pest control.
| Queensland Darling Downs Cotton Valley - Western Region: Landsat TM Satellite Imagery (bands 4,5,3) | |
| January 13, 2002 | January 11, 2001 |
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| Subscene Locator Map | Continent Locator Map | |
| Queensland Darling Downs Cotton Valley - Central Region: Landsat TM Satellite Imagery (bands 4,5,3) | |
| January 13, 2002 | January 11, 2001 |
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| Subscene Locator Map | Continent Locator Map | |
