The total value of Australian farm production has risen by 5.4% to $54 billion, according to the Agricultural Commodities, Australia, 2014-15 report released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The increase was despite poor seasonal conditions across much of the country, and was largely driven by strong international demand for cattle and sheep, with the value of livestock disposals and products increasing by 18% to $27 billion.
However, there were mixed results for both the value and production of agricultural crops. Sorghum and sugar cane for crush increased in gross value, and their production increased by 72% and 6%, respectively, from 2013-14. By contrast, gross value of wheat and canola fell during the period, with wheat production declining by 6% to 23.7 million tonnes.