With paraquat under review by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), farmers across north-west Victoria face uncertainty about…
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.