Widespread rains boosts WA crops

Western Australia is expected to have record canola plantings this season, as sowing commences in the state.

Looking Up: Grain Industry Association of Western Australia chairman Michael Lamond, says moisture in the ground has allowed canola to go into the ground early this season. Picture: ZOE PHILLIPS

IT HAS been one of the best starts to a cropping season for Western Australian grain growers yet, following widespread rain over the first three months of the year.

And abundant rain will mean record plantings of canola this year, which are expected to exceed 1.4 million hectares.

That was the message from Grain Industry Association of Western Australia chairman Michael Lamond, who said moisture in the ground had allowed canola to go into the ground early.

“When canola goes in early it always yields more, which means the potential for above- average tonnage will be there because of the early planting,” Mr Lamond said.

He said the increased canola area would mostly take the place of cereals, “spread evenly” over wheat and barley.

Last week’s GIWA report said the summer rain had also germinated weeds, necessitating spraying.

“Further to the south of the state, the steady rain and cool temperatures have brought up winter weeds such as ryegrass, barley grass, brome grass, wild radish and capeweed which is unusual for that time of the year,” GIWA said.

But Mr Lamond said some areas were still looking for that rain.

“If you take a line directly from Perth going east, and sort of south east there is an area through there that missed out,” he said.

“About half a million hectares are still light on, it’s not huge.”

And high rainfall areas in the state could face waterlogging issues.

“High-rainfall areas have had a dream run the past few years where they haven’t had too much rain. Those western areas had phenomenal yields last year,” Mr Lamond said.

“This year they have got about 150mm to 200mm plus another 80mm on top of that, so that will be the risk there.

“If the season kicks on a bit like average, they will get waterlogged for sure, so that will put a dampener on their potential yields.”

Most growers were sowing crops last week, Mr Lamond said, in the anticipation of the rain.

“A lot of canola went in last week, and (growers) will be flat out for about 10 days,” he said.

As well as a strong seasonal start, prices were also looking attractive for growers.

“Canola and cereal prices are holding up well,” Mr Lamond said. “It is the best ever start we have had for a very long time.”

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