LOCAL farmers are well on track for their spring outlook with plenty of optimism amongst local dairy, cattle, pasture and broadleaf growers despite a wet winter.
Although spring only saw 9.2mm of rainfall locally, October presented a rain event that saw an average of 90mm of rainfall in the Wangaratta and King Valley regions which has kept farmers on par for a promising harvest outlook.
Wangaratta-based AG Warehouse agronomist Bec Bingley said local crops are looking fantastic and are on schedule for an early harvest.
“Dairy farmers have already made their first cut of silage which was done before the main rain event passed which has allowed them to get fertiliser out to allow regrowth for another cut before Christmas,” Ms Bingley said.
Local canola, barley and wheat crops are looking at a predicted average harvest but a high quality yield thanks to ideal spring conditions.
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“Broadleaf farmers are sitting in a prime position for a great outcome with strong, healthy mature crops that are all ahead of schedule," Ms Bingley said.
“Canola crops will see an average harvest, however, a quality yield is looking very likely.
“Barley and wheat crops also have a positive outlook with crops looking strong and healthy and are on track for an early harvest and a strong yield.
“Rye grass has been an issue in some crops due to lack of winter spraying with no paddock access due to sodden soils which has reduced the quality in some cereal crops.
“Winter was somewhat difficult as accessing paddocks to spread fertilisers was hard as some crops did not receive this application and as a consequence, has affected the overall maturity and quality of the plant.
“The King Valley is looking really good with farmer’s also busy cutting silage.
“We needed a dry September for crops to establish and mature.
“On a positive note, farmers are one month ahead of schedule which means growers will get to harvest and be at home in time for Christmas in comparison to 2022 where farmers were harvesting from November 2022 to January 2023.
“Farmers should have a good finish to 2023.
“Records will not be broken, however, we can expect an average season as a wet winter has contributed to this result.”
