Drought slashes Australia sheep numbers, grain harvest

SYDNEY (AFP) Nov 26, 2003
Severe drought across southern Australia has slashed the nation's sheep population to its lowest level since 1947 and cut grain output by more than 50 percent, according to data released Wednesday.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) said sheep numbers had fallen 6.8 million to 98.4 million in the year to July due to what has been described as the worst drought in a century.

Wheat production for the year fell to 10.1 million tonnes, down 59 percent from the 2001-2002 season.

Barley production also fell by 55 percent to 3.7 million tonnes, despite increased plantings in some regions.

The release of the ABS figures coincided with reports from monopoly wheat exporter AWB and trader Graincorp of major profit slumps in fiscal 2002-2003.

Graincorp reported losses of 18.2 million dollars (13 million US), compared with profits of 48 million dollars the previous year, while AWB said it's 2002-2003 profits were down 59 percent on the year to 43.9 million dollars.

TERRA.WIRE