Insect activity is increasing under favourable conditions, though few cases have reached economic thresholds for control.
Low levels of stripe rust are being detected across Western Victoria, however growers with robust programs that included fungicide at sowing are reporting little to no evidence of foliar disease.
Low GSR deciles, frosts in early September and favourable prices have growers considering cutting crops for hay instead of harvesting for grain.
Insect activity is increasing under favourable conditions, though few cases have reached economic thresholds for control.
Low levels of stripe rust are being detected across Western Victoria, however growers with robust programs that included fungicide at sowing are reporting little to no evidence of foliar disease.
Low GSR deciles, frosts in early September and favourable prices have growers considering cutting crops for hay instead of harvesting for grain.
Recent rainfall has kept growers busy applying nitrogen, fungicides, herbicides and insecticides.
Low levels of stripe rust have been detected in the Mallee. Low levels of scald and spot form of net blotch in barley in the Wimmera and low levels of Septoria in wheat in the Wimmera and Mallee.
In the Mallee, the window for nitrogen applications to boost yield is closing as cereal crops move into ear emergence. In the Wimmera, cereals range from late tillering through to stem elongation and flag leaf emergence, while canola is at early flowering in many districts.
Low levels of insect activity are also being reported, including locusts in the Mallee, lucerne flea and redlegged earth mite (RLEM) in the Wimmera, cowpea aphids and blue green aphids in vetch, and lucerne leaf roller, RLEM and cowpea aphids in the North Central region.
Cereals are progressing from late tillering through to GS32 (second node), with stronger canopy development following recent moisture.
Canola ranges from cabbaging to bud elongation, with some early-sown paddocks now reaching early flowering.
Pest activity remains on the radar; Lucerne flea is being reported widely across the Wimmera–Mallee, Red-legged Earth Mite pressure is present in parts of the North Central and Wimmera and evidence of mouse damage has been observed in several Wimmera paddocks, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring.
Welcome rainfall tallies of around 30mm were received across much of the region over the weekend.
Consideration is being given to cutting cereal crops for hay due to strong prices.
Regular paddock inspections to assess crop and weed growth and for pest activity and disease.
Data from long term soil moisture sites indicates infiltration ranging from 20 to 60cm depending on soil type and rainfall. Without follow up rain, crops are likely to continue to use shallower moisture reserves.
Monitoring, seed germination and emergence remain the top priorities for most growers across western Victoria.
Growers are assessing plant densities of any emerged crops, particularly canola, and adjusting their yield potential expectations.
After watering germination test areas, some Wimmera growers have elected to re-sow some canola paddocks because less than 5plants/m2 could be found.
With some rain on the forecast this weekend, growers are taking a positive and prepared approach to potential next steps for crop management, particularly regarding inputs for nutrition, pest and weed control.
Lamb prices are expected to remain strong through spring.
Yield estimates have reduced however growers are aware that even if the break is late, conditions can improve quickly and there will be opportunities to reassess and adjust.
Hand watering small sections of sown paddocks to test seed viability
Bryobia mite pressure observed in Mallee sown lupin and red legged earth mite (RLEM) activity observed in pastures in the North Central.
Isolated areas of increased mouse activity around Horsham.
Sowing programs are generally continuing as planned with close attention paid to emergence of dry sown crops.
BCG’s sowing program is approximately 20 per cent complete.
With ongoing challenges with accessing feed, lower wool prices and shearing costs, many producers are responding by downsizing flocks or shifting more focus to lamb production.
Some modest rainfall tallies received across western Victoria last weekend with hopes for more rain on ANZAC day
Generally, growers have continued with their original sowing plans and made small modifications if required
Conscious of high reliance on IMI tolerant crops in rotations, some Mallee farmers have made varietal changes eg CoAXium® barley to make use of Group 1 herbicides for grass control, where residues from the prior crop allow.