Rain needed after hot conditions
Tim Dowling at Mulwala is pleased with how his canola crop is performing, but is hoping for some imminent rain to counter the hot weather.
Temperatures soared to 31 degrees in parts of Victoria and southern NSW on Friday, and farmers are now hoping for substantial rain to offer a reprieve.
Growers were concerned the hot, windy and dry conditions would cause damage to their winter crops, which were at a crucial part of the growing season.
Tim Dowling, who farms at the property Tara at Mulwala, southern NSW (pictured with his daughter Gaby), said the season had been kind in his area up until now, but they were hoping for imminent rain.
His winter crops have received 140mm of in-crop growing season rainfall, and for the calendar year, the area has had 255mm.
“We really need to see 30mm in the next week,” he said.
Tim said he was pleased with how his crop of canola, the variety 44Y30, was performing.
“I’m happy with it at the moment, but the hot day on Friday could have done some damage,” he said.
“It will suffer if it doesn’t get some rain soon.”
In addition to canola Tim also grows wheat, barley, lupins and faba beans.
Tim said the winter crops were looking good. However, the faba beans were a little bit late.
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List: Grain and oilseed prices
Canola prices have increased to $830/tonne in Victoria and wheat is tracking higher at $351/tonne. See how grain and oilseed prices are performing this week.