UNSEASONAL conditions over the past few months have proven difficult for local farmers when it comes to pasture, cereal and broadacre crops leading into the harvest period.

After five consecutive average to above-average winter crops, Victoria’s harvest this year is forecast to come in at just 6.8 million tonnes, down more than 35 per cent on the previous season.

According to a recent report from Robobank, this is a consequence of the challenging conditions faced by the southern cropping belt so far this year including a late seasonal break that includes a low ‘growing season’ rainfall and late frosts.

With crops getting late out of the blocks this year, current conditions are forcing farmers to cut hay earlier than expected and a forecast of early harvesting as rainfall has not been sufficient in combination with poor soil quality inhibiting full maturity of plant growth.

AG Warehouse agronomist Bec Bingley said while expected yields will be average, there are still ongoing concerns for local farmers leading into the harvest period and preparations for summer crops.

“This year has really been tough on farmers since ANZAC day with the squeeze continuing to hold as a lack of rainfall and late frosts continue to be ongoing, putting pressure on farmers mentally and financially,” Ms Bingley said.

“Crops are not as tall this year because of the lack of moisture content and seasonal conditions, however, crops overall are holding up ok.

“Local farmers are currently cutting hay earlier this year due to a lack of rainfall and current conditions making grass cure up to three weeks earlier than usual.

“Weather certainly impacts the season which has been evident throughout the year and is a reflection on what is happening now.

“We have had three wet summers in a row which has affected soil conditions as farmers have been spending up to double the costings in inputs on their crops."

Ms Bingley has concerns beyond harvesting leading into the summer cropping season as farmers not only have spent more money on inputs, rising costs have gone up which has placed financial pressure on farmers when it comes to the bottom line.

“Money has become tight for farmers with the costs fertilisers going up and the frequency of used inputs to aid crops during what has already been a tough year,” she said.

“Budgets have been stretched thin to save crops and produce the best yield under the circumstances leaving some farmers with little to spend who are looking at preparations for their summer crops.

“I believe right now is we need to get through the harvest period and look at what the yield results present and go from there.”