THE weather has played havoc with all Australian winter crops in 2014, but as the harvesters moved out of pulse crops and into the cereals, many growers are reflecting on how well their pulse crops have performed under extreme conditions.
Pulse Australia's national development manager Gordon Cumming says the fact that prices have remained strong has maintained grower confidence in pulses, as many have been pleasantly surprised at how well the crops have withstood very challenging conditions.
"This is certainly a positive reflection on the achievements of the Pulse Breeding Australia researchers, with the commercialisation of several improved varieties in recent years, and the efforts of the industry to develop, promote and adopt best management practice," he said.
"We have had extremely bad years like this before, and the result has been growers turning their backs on growing pulses, but after the 2014 season, we have every expectation that the area sown to pulses in 2015 will again increase across the growing regions of Australia."
Mr Cumming said the reason behind the increased level of confidence was the acceptance that pulse crops could boost farm returns, while also making a positive contribution to the farming system, improving soil condition and fertility, and breaking disease cycles.
Across Australia, faba bean has been the star performer this season.
The sown area was up by 15 to 20 per cent as a result of an excellent season last year and, although yields have been lower than expected in 2014, the quality has generally been good and prices have supported growers.
"Pulse Australia's long-term production estimates for faba bean show a five-year average planting area of over 160,000 hectares, with an average yield of 1.7 tonnes/ha for dryland crops and up to 3t/ha in more favourable areas and under irrigation," Mr Cumming said.
A combination of hard frosts and a hot, dry growing season has affected crops to varying degrees across the country.
In the main growing regions of Victoria and South Australia, widespread and unusually harsh frosting impacted on many faba bean crops.
Early rain in South Australia caused waterlogging in some crops and when this was followed with frosting and hot, dry and windy conditions at the end of the season, average yields were estimated to be down by 35pc.
Even so, the sown area is expected to increase by 30pc in 2015.
Faba beans grown on irrigation in NSW performed well in almost ideal conditions, and the area is expected to increase again by 10pc in 2015.
After a promising trial year last season, a significant 3000ha in southern Queensland was sown to faba bean for the first time.
Dry growing conditions impacted on yields and grain quality highlighted the need to more fully understand optimal management of faba bean crops in the northern growing areas.
Most growers are pleased with the results under the circumstances, and Pulse Australia sees potential for the establishment of a consistent faba bean industry in southern Queensland.
The lower Australian dollar is also supporting pulse export prices, with strong demand for Aussie faba bean, lupin, chickpea, lentil and field pea grain.
In Queensland, the chickpea area was down due to minimal planting rain, and the lack of in-crop rainfall further suppressed yields.
Even so, growers and agronomists have been impressed with the level of production achieved in such dry conditions, with chickpea providing positive returns to growers, in contrast to the gross margin for wheat in the same season.
