Agriculture 2021: up 17% to $71b

Key statistics

• The gross value of Australian agriculture increased 17% to $71 billion in 2020-21
• Improved growing conditions drove the gross value of broadacre crops to $23 billion (up 79%)
• The gross value of livestock disposals and livestock products decreased 5% to 31 billion

Value of state agricultural production

The gross value of New South Wales’ agriculture jumped $6.8 billion (or 61%) to $18 billion. The increase was largely driven by a close to ideal cereal crop season experienced in the state. To a lesser extent, both Queensland and Western Australia also recorded increases in gross value of agriculture; up 7% to $14.5 billion and up 14% to $10.2 billion respectively. Victoria had a mixed season which was reflected in a 2% drop in its gross value of agriculture to $17.5 billion, driven by falls in the value of livestock disposals (down 9%) and livestock products (down 4%).

Value of crops

Total gross value of crops increased 41% to $40 billion in 2020-21. Improved seasonal conditions in many parts of the country saw increases in the production, and in turn, value of many crops. Notable increases in the production of wheat, barley and canola were observed, particularly in New South Wales which experienced near perfect growing conditions for many cereal crops. Easing of drought conditions also saw water allocations improve for irrigators with dramatic increases in the production and value of cotton as well as a range of other irrigated crops, including fruit and vegetables.

Key crop results for 2020-21:

• $9.9 billion for wheat (up 99% from 2019-20)
• $6.3 billion for fruit and nuts (up 16%)
• $4.8 billion for vegetables (up 14%)
• $3.7 billion for barley (up 24%)
• $2.9 billion for canola (up 114%)
• $2.2 billion for hay (down 15%)
• $1.5 billion for cotton (up 481%)

Livestock disposals and livestock products

The gross value of livestock disposals and livestock products decreased 5% to $31 billion. Many graziers used the improved seasonal conditions and better pastures as an opportunity to rebuild their stocks following several poor seasons.

Key livestock results for 2020-21:

• $13.5 billion for cattle and calves (down 8% from 2019-20)
• $4.3 billion for sheep and lambs (down 10%)
• $2.9 billion for poultry (up 4%)
• $1.5 billion for pigs (up 2%)
• $8.5 billion for livestock products such as wool, milk and eggs, unchanged from 2019-20

ABS

ABSAgricultureDataValue of cropsValue of livestock