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.