Bumper crop yields achieved in the Wimmera as harvest progresses

With harvest underway for parts of the Wimmera, yields are reaching “exceptional” volumes.

Ramping up: Most growers in the Wimmera have begun harvest with the south set to start this week, says agronomist Matthew Sparke

AS harvest ramps up in the Wimmera, grain yields are reaching “exceptional” volumes.

Horsham-based Sparke Agriculture agronomist Matthew Sparke said most growers in the area have started harvest and south of the Wimmera should begin this week.

“Yields are generally exceptional,” Mr Sparke said.

“They won’t double last year’s but they will be in the upper levels that some growers have never experienced, thanks to a soft and damp spring and good summer and autumn rain.”

Although it was a dry and frosty winter in the area, Mr Sparke said, but most crops recovered.

For canola, Mr Sparke said the oilseed was coming in at about two tonnes a hectare with some places in the south reaching three tonnes a hectare.

“But some drier areas in the region aren’t quite that big,” Mr Sparke said.

Barley was hitting about the mid six tonne a hectare range around Minyip, Mr Sparke said, with some barley varieties in the eight tonne a hectare range.

“Barley will be about four tonnes a hectare in drier areas,” he said.

Storms hit some areas in the Wimmera at the weekend, Mr Sparke said, with growers getting a few millimetres of rain to about 20mm of rain in patches.

“But there is no damage at this stage,” he said.

Rupanyup grower and Grain Producers Australia chair Andrew Weidemann said crops in the Wimmera were looking “solid” and would have a bit above average year.

“Rupanyup got about 18mm (at the weekend) but it wasn’t a huge disruption to quality,” Mr Weidemann said.

“It was windy on Monday and should be hot for the rest of the week so grain will come off in the next few days.”

He said rain would benefit wheat that was still green in areas.

For the Mallee, Mr Weidemann said yields were also looking good, and grower’s were in a positive situation.

“In mid-December harvest will be in full swing in the state,” he said.

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