Year 11: Agricultural Update
Agricultural Update
Will Graham
With one of the driest starts to the year on record, it had farmers throughout WA on edge as they awaited opening rains to germinate seeded paddocks and provide feed for sheep. This was especially the case for those in the north-eastern Wheatbelt and Mid-West regions, with some farmers receiving as little as 20mm in the previous six months. With the latest cold front that moved across the south-west in the start of June, it put an end to the worries of many farmers, as well as the dust produced from dry seeding through bone-dry soils. Many farmers received at the very least 10mm with the lucky ones receiving as much as 40-50mm. Although this is a substantial amount and will help with getting the season under way and getting crops out of the ground, it won’t sustain the plants for a prolonged period, and with such a dry and late start to the season I think most farmers would be happy to receive as much rain as possible for the time being to enhance their chances of a viable and productive season. I will keep you all posted.