Technical Bulletin – 3 May 2016

• 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.

Very warm oceans to our north are creating an enhanced moisture source, and a blocking high hanging around in the Tasman Sea is stalling the passage of fronts, lows and troughs, which has led to persistent harvest rainfall. There still is no La Nina…

• In the Mallee, insecticides are being applied and, in some parts, a second grass spray application on pulses to clean up any late germinations.
• Nitrogen (N) applications have stalled awaiting a strong forecast of rain which would likely see growers spreading again.
• The Wimmera is focused on broadleaf weed management, insect control and fungicide applications.
• Some are starting to notice effects of moisture stress around tree lines.
• In many areas the potential is there, but further rainfall is required.