Teasing Victorian rain falls short and fails to satisfy grain crops

THE Bureau of Meteorology’s rain forecast of 25-50mm for Victoria failed to arrive on Wednesday.

Late break: More than an inch in the old measure, or 25mm, fell near Swan Hill yesterday. Picture: Brenton Cunning.

NOT enough rain fell across Victoria yesterday to satisfy Victoria’s grain crops.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s 25-50mm forecasts from earlier in the week failed to arrive on Wednesday.

Most areas averaged 10-15mm but some, like Charlton (5mm) and Ouyen (6mm), are now hoping for better spring finishing rain in the next few weeks.

The bureau is forecasting the chance of showers across the state on Sunday.

A number of weather websites are predicting the chance of falls of about 10mm.

Cannie Ridge farmer Brenton Cunning recorded 15mm in his gauge this morning.

“It’s enough to keep us going a week or two but we are going to need more to finish the crop,” Mr Cunning said.

Farmers are now saying much of the grain crop has lost its “potential” and are looking at below average yields this season.

Rainfall totals to 9am: Annuello 7mm, Mildura 8mm, Ouyen 6mm, Walpeup 7mm, Berriwillock 8mm, Beulah 9mm, Birchip 9mm, Sea Lake 7mm, Swan Hill 11mm, Ultima 10mm, Woomelang 7mm, Dimboola 13mm, Donald 9mm, Kaniva 12mm, Nhill 11mm, Warracknabeal 9mm, Yanac North 11mm, Apsley 8mm, Ben Nevis 17mm, Drung Drung 13mm, Edenhope 7mm, Eversley 24mm, Goroke 9mm, Horsham 14mm, Natimuk 13mm, Rupanyup 12mm, Boort 13mm, Canary Island 20mm, Cobram 17mm, Echuca 10mm, Kerang 14mm, Rochester 13mm, Natte Yallock 23mm, Raywood 13mm, Shepparton 8mm, Stanhope 11mm, Yarrawonga 19mm, Casterton 5mm, Colac 8mm, Dartmoor 5mm, Nullawarre 11mm.