News

• Canola windrowing is complete or underway in most regions
• Hay quality has generally been good due to a drier curing period
• Despite lower growing season rainfall, most regions are generally in a good position for harvest
• Growers are organising harvest priorities and logistics, particularly those still bailing hay while also starting to harvest canola and barley
• Cropping plans for 2024 are being reviewed as final passes on paddocks occur, taking account of weeds, disease and other risks

In this edition:

• Canola windrow timing
• Windrowing barley
• Crop desiccation
• Frost
• Grain market update
• BCG research update

• Crops have been holding up surprisingly well given the warm dry conditions although most think some top end yield has been sacrificed, particularly in wheat or later crops. Recent rain and a cool run this week should see crops finish OK now where totals were greater than 15-20mm, for some regions it was maybe just a bit late.
• Heliothis and etiella management are taking place to maintain grain yield or more importantly quality in pulse crops.
• Hay quality until recent rain has been good where crops have had even development. Recent rain may drop some quality, and some have waited for this event to pass to cut crops for hay where they could.
• Pre-harvest maintenance is in full swing with growers finalising any needs before it gets busy
• Livestock management leading into summer (shearing, crutching, drenching) is being prioritised where possible to limit demand on time during harvest to manage fly struck sheep.