Riverina crops yield despite the odds

It was a tough season because of “dear old Mr Frost” for this Riverina farmer, but his award-winning wheat crop has still managed to thrive despite the September setback.

An award-winning wheat crop at Kamarah in the NSW Riverina has thrived despite being hit by frost in September.

The Nisbet family entered its crop of Kingston wheat in the Ardlethan Show Society crop competition as a benchmarking exercise.

They have been entering crop competitions for about 15 years, and Ralph Nisbet says it’s not about winning or losing but about enjoying feedback and looking at other wheat in the area.

He estimated that the frost shaved about 25 to 30 per cent of yields across the board in his 600ha winter cropping operation, which grows wheat, canola, barley, lentils, lupins and oats.

However, he was still grateful to be able to take crops through to harvest rather than cut them for hay.

He said the rainfall had been close to the average of 450mm but the frost couldn’t be discounted.

Mike and Velia O'Hare of Ardlethan Show Society with crop winner Martin Nisbet (son of Ralph) who grew a 6.3t/ha wheat crop and is pictured with Laura Newnham and crop judge Frank McRae. Picture: Supplied

During judging, the Kingston wheat was assessed at a yield potential of 6.3t/ha; however, the overall average was closer to 4.8t/ha once the header was in the paddock.

Harvest was completed two weeks ago at the property, and Ralph said it was a “two-horse race” between wheat and barley this year.

“The barley yields were up around 4.8/tonne to 4.9/tonne,” he said.

Canola yields were disappointing at 1.5t/ha to 1.6t/ha compared to a typical average of 2.5t/ha.

Ralph said crop competitions were excellent for the community and he commended the show society and the judges.

“It is so eye-opening to see what works and what doesn’t,” he said.

“We can learn so much from going in these competitions.”

“We really don’t care if we win, lose or draw; it’s a good thing to be in, and this year it was tough all because of dear old Mr (Jack) Frost,” he said.