News

South East rains give late boost to winter crops

Liz Wells, October 9, 2020

 

WIDESPREAD rain across South Australia and Victoria in the past couple of days has given a late top up to winter crops.

Grain Producers Australia chairman Andrew Weidemann, who farms at Rupanyup in Victoria’s Wimmera, said the rain was ideal for grain fill.

“It will definitely add quality and yield to the crops,” he said.

“The weather forecasts are looking strong for rain. There is another front due towards the end of October. Another 25 to 50 millimetres like we’ve just experienced will be pretty good.”

 

 

In South Australia, Grain Producers SA chair, Adrian McCabe, said while the rain was too late for some crops and had damaged hay cuts, it would be a late benefit to many crops, particularly pulses.

“Some crops will put out another tiller and fill out some more grain. It might be worth 10 per cent,” he said.

“I’m at Hamley Bridge in the Lower North and expect this area will put on 15 per cent in seed size.

“The main benefit will be with grain legumes which are still podding. Canola is probably finished, and will have high oil and good seed size.

“We are well below average for rainfall. We are a 500mm rainfall and have had 350mm, but yields will be slightly above average.”

 

 

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