WITH many of the state’s fodder producers getting ready to begin the haymaking process, this week’s wet weather is the last thing needed.
This week’s rain will also put a question mark on the quality of the hay produced.
Callington farmer Nathan Wegener was hoping for a few more fine and mild days like Monday, as he has some crops that are almost ready to cut for hay.
Mr Wegener farms with his brother Brett at Colrae Farms.
While hay only makes up a small percentage of the cropping program, it is still an important part of the enterprise.
“We concentrate mainly on oaten hay, but we also do a bit of triticale, depending on the paddock and the season,” he said.
“We also do a bit of pasture for hay as well.”
All the hay is sold domestically.
“We sell to a few dairies, and do small squares that go to a few fodder stores around the place,” he said.
While Mr Wegener has been enjoying good seasonal conditions, more sunshine would be welcome.
“The season is travelling well,” he said.
“We had a slow start, and we’ve missed out on the rain a bit, but it hasn’t mattered because it’s meant the paddocks haven’t got too wet.
“There’s plenty of potential out there, like most areas.”
Mr Wegener expects it will be at least two weeks before they start to cut crops for hay.
“Even if the crops were ready, we wouldn’t cut it, because the ground has too much moisture,” he said.
“The ground really needs to dry out before we think about cutting.”
Mr Wegener is expecting above-average yields for his hay and grain crops.
“Not only has the season been very good, the mild finish has also helped a great deal,” he said.
