Rain gives some hope to crops in Victoria

See which grain growing regions recorded the most rain last week and how much more is needed.

Rain boost: Recent rain was well received by growers across Victoria. PICTURE: ZOE PHILLIPS

VITAL rain doused crops across Victoria at the weekend, just as the season was beginning to lose its potential.

But more is “needed in the tank”, grain grower and Victorian Farmers Federation president David Jochinke said.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, in the seven days until Monday morning, several weather stations in the Mallee and Wimmera recorded more than 22mm.

After a dry July, Mildura received 26mm, while Walpeup had 31mm and Werrimull, 21mm.

In the southern Mallee, Woomelang recorded 24mm, with Birchip and Swan Hill both each tallying 22mm.

In the Wimmera, St Arnaud received 32mm and Donald recorded 26mm.

The Weekly Times last week reported the driest centres in July were in central Victoria and the Mallee.

“The rain was well received, growers definitely needed it as the season started to lose potential because of dry conditions and frost events,” VFF president David Jochinke said.

“It was saving rain in some regards, but we do need a lot more in the tank for a solid season.”

Rain gave some life to Millewa grain grower Annette Lambert’s bone-dry crops, with 20mm at the weekend.

“Last season was a disaster. We had bare paddocks,” Ms Lambert said.

“So we went into this season with no subsoil moisture.

“We were not off to a good start but the rain has put a smile on our faces and has given growers quite a boost.”

Rain was also gladly welcomed by Berriwillock grower John Renney.

“We had a really good start, with good rains in March and April, but prior to this rain (at the weekend) we didn’t receive any for a month and crops began to dry out,” he said.

The 20-25mm fall revived Mr Renney’s crops. which had suffered through a month of frosts, causing the tops to dry out.

“If we get some further rain in September they will be looking good,” he said.

Rural Assistance Commissioner Peter Tuohey said most growers were more hopeful after some were on “knife’s edge” before the rain.

“Most growers are busy and urea is going out across Victoria,” he said. “We couldn’t ask for better mid-season rain.

“Every farmer in Victoria will have a smile on their face.”

And with Agriculture Victoria’s drought aid programs winding up at the end of the month, Mr Tuohey encouraged growers to take advantage of the programs, which he said would boost cashflow into the rural communities that were suffering.

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