WIDESPREAD rainfall of between three to six inches across many parts of the North East last week has been a blessing for stock producers but a hindrance to winter crop growers.
Doug James, who has lived on his 'Viewbank' sheep property at Boweya for the past 54 years, said the rain had been a breath of fresh air and instilled some confidence in the sheep industry, after a real "hit and miss" spring.
“Good news for us is that this recent rainfall will keep the grass growing leading into Christmas.
“Further to that, the recent rain will help boost lucerne crops which will benefit our farm and save cost of feeding.
“We have assessed our outlook on the farm and we see that in the next three months, things will remain stable which has a positive outlook on things.
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“If conditions stay wet, this will make wheat crops sprout which would turn these crops into local feed other than cereal which again we can purchase at a cheaper price bringing further confidence for sheep producers.
“The recent rain will also give local hay producers a second cut by Christmas which will boost availability locally which again puts another positive spin on things.
“With the recent rain and all things combined, has not only taken away pressures of farming, but has really boosted confidence in farmers by putting a stop to panic selling but will bring quality stock to the market as the sheep store sales are holding very strong with proven firm pricings locally.
“It is amazing how the weather really does govern those who work on the land, and with planning and perseverance, presents a light at the end of the tunnel and farmers reap the rewards for their efforts.”
Andrew Russell, managing director and a shareholder of Lilliput AG - a sister company of the family–owned farming and seed cleaning business Baker Seeds at Rutherglen, said the harvesting is well on the way but not yet complete because of the recent rain event.
"In general harvest locally and North East Victoria is around 40 to 50 per cent complete with many growers completing their canola harvest," he said.
"Wheat harvesting is well on the way, however, not yet complete because of the recent rain which is not good for broadleaf because of the susceptibility to sprouting which is a big concern to all growers.
"We will not really know the extent of damage to crops for another week or so depending on how much more rain we get.
"Yields have been generally better than expected for the amount of rainfall received during the year."
