RECENT rainfall has not been enough to create favourable conditions for some local farmers leading to the traditional autumn break deadline on ANZAC Day.
Despite the drier conditions, some farmers across the region have rolled the dice, commencing preparations for seeding in the hope that sufficient rainfall arrives in the coming weeks.
Doug James, who has lived on his 'Viewbank' sheep property at Boweya and cropped in the Bungeet area for the past 54 years, is not optimistic with the current autumn conditions.
He has only received 24mm of rainfall in the past five weeks, all but 3mm of which fell on the Easter weekend, but still plans on sowing 400 acres of oats and 60 acres of lupins.
“I am feeling a bit apprehensive with the amount of rainfall we have had so far and how dry the soil is at the moment,” Mr James said.
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“This time last year we had good moisture content in the soil which allowed for better preparation and seeding, however, this year is very different.
“We need moist soil with warm conditions to give an optimum opportunity for seed to germinate.
“Direct drilling has commenced on soils which is good for seed tilth (the suitability of soil for tilling), but again it all hinges back on rainfall.
“Farmers are always nervous when we have weather conditions like we have as it can feel like a roll of the dice and hope it all pans out for the best."
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the forecast for the autumn–winter period will see conditions stabilise and average rainfall with air and surface temperatures return to normal after a wetter than average summer which could present optimal autumn conditions for crop growers leading into winter.
Mr James is keen to move forward with agriculture preparations as feed later in the year for his stock is vital to the farming operation.
"Things will begin to ramp up with sowing come ANZAC Day with the hope of more rain to come before then," he said.
"In the meantime it's all about preparation, planning and timing with lime and fertilisers being added before the sowing period.
"We have commenced lambing which is another commitment we need to focus on."
