What's happening: Crops across the north-west region are entering critical growth stages where both heat stress and frost can affect yield. Reports of frost at Hopetoun, Manangatang, Mitiamo and Pyramid…
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.
What's happening: 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…
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.
Background: Vetch is a versatile crop option for farming systems in the Mallee, Wimmera and North Central regions. The advantages of this enterprise include: versatility as a brown manure crop, …
Photosensitisation of sheep is first seen as swelling in the ears and muzzle, then sunburn-like appearance with blistering and scabs, and sometimes seen on other areas of the body if…
What’s happening: 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…
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.