Australia fears wheat loss

Without rain in the next two weeks Australia's 1982-83 wheat crop is likely to be devastated and its economy hurt, according to Australian Wheat Board chairman Sir Leslie Price.

Australia is among the world's top three producers of wheat.

In a television interview with the Australian Broadcasting Commission Aug. 3, Sir Leslie said this could reduce the crop as much as 5 million tons from the 16 .372 million tons produced last season.

He said the prospect of failed wheat crops could have serious implications for the whole economy. Machinery and vehicle manufacturers would feel the effect first, along with railways which depend on wheat freight.