Faba bean production in Australia is waning

Figure 1 shows that faba bean plantings can be highly variable. Over the past 10 years, we’ve seen a low of 164,000 ha and a high of 313,000 ha (Figure 1). Faba bean production is even more variable. During the 2018-19 drought harvest, just 233,000 tonnes were produced, with a high of 678,000 tonnes coming in 2020-21. South Australia produced a record 300,000 tonnes crop of beans last year, and this year it is expected to decrease by more than half (Figure 2). With plantings reduced, and a more average season this year the supply of beans will be cut. Australian total faba bean production is forecast to decline 31.5% from 2022-23, and 38% from 2020-21. Forecast faba bean production for 2023-24 is expected to be the lowest since 2019-20, and lower than the 10-year average.Faba beans are not a major commodity, but in South Australia and Victoria, they are an important break crop, and a valuable feed source when beans don’t make export grade. Prices are a factor of supply, ...