Farmers relishing rains

WHEAT farmers in the region are grinning after weeks of rainfall provides optimal conditions for their crops.

WHEAT farmers in the region are grinning after weeks of rainfall providing optimal conditions for their crops; however if it lasts too long it could prove detrimental.

More than two weeks of on-and-off rain throughout the South Burnett region has seen farmers soak up more than 45mm of rainfall on average.

Senior Agronomist for BGA Agri services Ian Crosthwaite said the rain so far was great for the wheat planting but the continuing frequent downpours were beginning to pose a threat to crops.

"The rainfall has put moisture in the profile and the crop has grown from that moisture for a few weeks," he said.

"However extended rainfall has led to pooling in low-lying areas on crops and can cause the product to become soggy."

Mr Crosthwaite said the situation was not all doom and gloom.

"The weather has still been quite good and I think the wheat crops are mostly benefiting from this rainfall."

Although if wet conditions prevail the risk of yellow spot and rust increases for grain crops.

"Farmers also can have problems with weeds. If they can't get out to spray their crops because of the rain the larger and the more widespread weeds can become and the more expensive they are to get rid of," Mr Crosthwaite said.

South east regional director for AgForce grain and Millmerran grain grower Kent Wright said based on the rainfall figures and growth so far he was expecting an above average yield from his crops.

"It has been a great start to the season," he said. "If things keep up like this I'll definitely be expecting an average and above average yield."

Mr Crosthwaite said whether extended rainfall was beneficial or detrimental to crops depended on a number of factors such as the product and the season.

"I know of two peanut crops that haven't been harvested yet because of the rain and that is extremely late.

"Obviously it is of concern in losses in the paddock and quality when the rain stops you from picking."

The optimal weather for wheat crops over the next few weeks would be sunny and fine weather to dry up the crops with rainfall in four weeks' time.

Mr Crosthwaite said the weather, although an integral part of the farming industry, was something all farmers and everyone else alike had to deal with.

"There's not a lot that can be done, you just have to sit on the sidelines sometimes in frustration."

Originally published as Farmers relishing rains