Anthony ‘Stem’ Holland: ‘Refreshing’ rain helps lift farmers’ spirits

Spirits have been lifted across much of Victoria after last week’s rain, giving hope for an improved harvest.

About 12 months ago, a fair chunk of Serpentine farmer Anthony ‘Stem’ Holland’s farm was flooded as the Loddon River burst its banks, wiping out some stellar crops in the process.

Since then Mr Holland has been “rolling with the punches”, but last week he got one back as about 50mm of much needed rain fell across his property, which he expects will provide a major boost come harvest time.

“I reckon it was one of the best rains, it was so refreshing,” Mr Holland said.

“It puts the cream on the crop and means we should get a good harvest.

“Last year country was flooded, there was a lot of damage and the stock has struggled ever since.

Anthony ‘Stem’ Holland with his wheat crop at Serpentine. Picture: Zoe Phillips

“So this rain is a big bonus and is a real relief. It takes away some of that worry.”

Timely rainfall for Victorian croppers also fell in a number of key areas last week including at Echuca, which received 49mm, Charlton with 26mm, and 28mm further south at Ballarat.

Mr Holland, who has about 700ha of crop in the ground this year, said the major rain had helped lift spirits in the Loddon region following a challenging year so far, with falling livestock prices and drier seasonal conditions.

“It has really come at the right time for us and has brought some positivity,” Mr Holland said.

“There is some upbeat thinking and feeling and with an improved harvest that’ll help everyone’s expenditure and what people can afford to do.

“Now we are just hoping for a nice, cool finish to the season and we will have a fair chance.

“We don’t want any thunderstorms or hail and hope the fire season holds off until the grain is into the silos.”