A phone could help growers predict yields before harvest

The outcomes for a tough cropping season could be known before harvest thanks to an assessment that uses just a phone and a ruler.

Accurate assessment of the yield potential of crops using just a phone and a ruler could allow growers to work out the extent of damage from this year’s season.

Low rainfall, frost and hail events have played havoc with crop yields and Agriculture Victoria seasonal risk agronomist Dale Boyd said the crop calculator was an objective measure of how crops would perform at harvest.

And with widespread frost damage, the calculator would come into its own this year.

“There are many methods available for farmers to estimate yield of various crops, from quick and relatively straightforward to more detailed and complex methods,” Mr Boyd said.

“The guide to estimating crop yields uses the simple rule of thumb method.

“This can be done relatively quickly with the use of a ruler and a smart device, eliminating the use of paper and pen that can get wet while in the crop.”

Frost damaged wheat can cause big yield losses, but a yield calculator can determine just how much.

Mr Boyd said some of Victoria’s cropping regions had seen frost, which could affect yield, especially if the crops were at flowering and grain-fill growth stages.

The calculator, which was developed about four years ago, gave immediate feedback, he said. “By assessing a number of paddocks it will provide valuable insights to assist with decisions.

“Crop yield assessments can assist in forecasting grain quality prospects, or hay verses grain harvest potential.”

Dale Boyd, seasonal risk agronomist with Agriculture Victoria, said growers could predict yields more accurately this season using a phone and a ruler.

Mr Boyd said the calculator could also come into its own when working out how much to insure crops for based on predicted yields.

This was especially relevant given many farmers were insuring crops against hail damage.

“While the calculator has come to notice this year due to frost implications, it’s also really useful for those areas where there hasn’t been enough growing season rain, to determine what yields could be and to insure appropriately,” he said.

The yield calculator is available at the Agriculture Victoria website.