Rain keeps crops ‘ticking along’
Crops are tracking well after good rain hit most parts of Victoria last week, but more is needed to determine strong yields.
AREAS across Victoria received a drenching over the past week and the rain is keeping crops across the state ticking along.
But more spring rain will determine strong yields, according to Victorian Farmers Federation grains president Ashley Fraser.
Mr Fraser said Rutherglen grain growers received about 20-25mm of rain over the weekend, bringing the area’s tally up well above average.
“The recent rain has meant northeast Victoria has received 500mm for the year,” Mr Fraser said.
“These rains will keep them ticking along nicely.”
“Crops across Victoria will still be looking for that spring rain in early October to set them,” he said.
Weather bureau figures for Victoria show in the seven days to Monday morning, areas in East Gippsland received hefty rainfall totals, with Lakes Entrance gaining a 41mm downpour.
Orbost got a massive 72mm, while Mallacoota was hit with a substantial 109mm.
Numerous stations in the southern Wimmera also recorded some meaningful rain of about 20mm or more.
Rupanyup received 20mm during the seven-day period while St Arnaud totalled 18mm. In the north of the Mallee, Mildura scored a further boost of rain on top of the previous week’s 26mm – recording 11mm over the past seven days, while Walpeup received 8mm and Werrimull 10mm.
Some north Wimmera stations also recorded double digit figures, with Donald receiving 13mm, Warracknabeal 21mm and Jeparit 11mm.
For the southern Mallee, Berriwillock received just 2mm over the past seven days, with Swan Hill getting 6mm, and Birchip 5mm. This is on top of both Birchip and Swan Hill receiving 22mm the previous week. Recent rain across the state also gave some frost-affected crops the lift they needed, Mr Fraser said. “But they should bounce back after this.”
Meanwhile Mr Fraser said more rain was forecast for today. “Forecasts are showing a bit more activity looking ahead,” he said.
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