WANGARATTA had its wettest day for late March in 36 years with 48.6mm recorded in the 24 hours to 9am last Friday, vital rain to signal a potential autumn break in the district for farmers.
Other 24-hour rainfall totals at locations across the district included Whitfield 26.2mm, Edi Upper 35.4mm, Greta West 35.6mm, Milawa 44.5mm, and Carboor Upper 58.6mm.
While a follow up rain is needed for an autumn break, crop growers will begin to prepare their paddocks for sowing programs.
For Chris Gibson, who runs 1600 head of cattle at his feedlot in Taminick, it will allow him to prepare for sowing between April and May.
Mr Gibson had 55mm at his property and it came at the right time of year for his cropping program.
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“It was nice and steady rain and ideal timing for crop preparations and hopefully pasture growth as well," he said.
“In early April we’ll sow canola and then wheat later in April into early May.
“The moisture will soak in pretty quickly and we’ll need a follow up rain to make it ideal.”
Despite rain in December, Mr Gibson said the dry summer has reduced the subsoil moisture.
The rain is expected to inject confidence back into the cattle market with mixed prices at last Thursday’s monthly store sale.
Corcoran and Parker livestock agent Reiley Murtagh said there were 802 cattle yarded.
He said there were four pens of cows and calves which topped out at $2050.
"There were about 400 steers in a mixed yarding, with feeder cattle making up to $3.40/kg but were very plain quality," he said.
“Younger black steers from 270kg-350kg made between $3.80-$4.30/kg.
“We had a good run of spring drop calves, only young and light in stature that made up to $5/kg.
“There were only a few lighter heifers to quote and they sold for $2.80-$3.30/kg.
“Heifers back to the paddock (breeders) were 370-380kg made $3.50/kg.
“Little, light heifers were $2.80-$3.40/kg.”
He said the rain will get people thinking about what they’re going to do next with their sowing and it just means confidence into the market.
“It has been pretty grim for the last month and a bit and this will start turning the table and it looks like there will be an upside," he said.
