A dry April and early May are never good in cropping as dry sowing represents uncertainty and potential losses in weed control and yield.
As we wait for the break, weather forecasts move from ‘important’ to ‘critical’ and those making them, move into the ‘total expert’ category.
Phrases like ‘gentleman’s’ or ‘bankers’ hours are used to describe the dry sowing strategy where growers work only during daylight and without a level of intensity that occurs after the autumn break.
At BCG, the Research and Extension team haven’t had the luxury of these working hours because we have a number of trials requiring irrigation. In particular, a trial looking at canola phenology and another trial investigating early sowing of wheat.
I can confirm wheat that is sown in early April and irrigated does germinate, but really struggles without follow up rain and days over 35 degrees.
Both of these trials are conducted in partnership with research institutions and the Grains Research Development Corporation. NSW DPI researcher, Rohan Brill, leads the canola phenology work and Dr James Hunt at La Trobe University leads the early sown wheat project.
As the effort and intensity in weather forecasts increases in dry times, the consequences of what the rain brings also means there is always an edge in the discussion.
The challenge with all these conversations is staying positive and finding the positive side when there is a sense of nervousness about the end result.
Which brings me to the two songs I enjoy drawing a long bow of relevance to in the current situation.
The first one is the Imagine Dragons song ‘Thunder’.
The combination of thunder at this time of year would indicate a significant disturbance and likely rainfall event. I will also be at the Imagine Dragons concert with the family, enjoying a music event I did not choose to go and see. Ask me after the concert whether Taylor Swift or Imagine Dragons are better live. For reasons outside of my control, I can do the comparison.
The second choice is celebrating a great film and a message that at this time of year needs to be taken to heart. It is also from an all-time great film featuring a naughty boy named Brian. ‘Always look on the bright side of life’ is performed by Eric Idle.
