Crops begin sprouting on EP

Rainfall received at the beginning of April allowed farmers to get underway just prior to or on Anzac Day, which was slightly ahead of schedule.

Carr’s Seeds agronomist Denis Pedler, who is based at Cummins, said the region was progressing well. 

“All canola is finished and guys are well into their sowing programs when it comes to wheat and beans,” he said.

“Farmers still have some lupins and barley to go, but I would say most are more than halfway through.

“This year is on the early side for us, although for the past three consecutive years we have had some nice early breaks.”

So far, Mr Pedler said there had not been too many delays or complications to seeding, but weather conditions had not been ideal.

“The biggest hold up at the moment is that we haven’t had many ideal days for spraying weeds,” he said. 

“We have had about 10 good days in a row of fairly strong winds, which can result in spray drift.”

As for rain, Mr Pedler said that could come sooner rather than later, but there was no major urgency.

“Generally the moisture is good in most areas, but it is less so in sandy loam soils,” he said.

“Everyone is looking for the next follow-up rain.”

Other concerns include the return of beet western yellows virus in canola crops and an increase in snail populations.

“We have been baiting snails more than we have in the past,” Mr Pedler said.

“That’s the only thing that’s been unusual compared to other years.

“We have had some positive samples of BWYV, the incidence is low, but it does give growers a bit of an idea that it’s about.”

Mr Pedler said farmers trialling new or alternate seed varieties had been pleased, with initial reports revealing the varieties agree with the region’s soil and weather conditions. 

Two in particular have been standouts, according to Mr Pedler.

“The new Spartacus barley is looking promising, as is the new Scepter wheat,” he said.