DESPITE a grim outlook for substantial rain this winter, Sedan farmer Hayden Graetz is staying positive about the season.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecast below average rainfalls across the state but Mr Graetz said predictions could change quickly.
“There is no point getting down about the prediction until it becomes a reality,” he said. “We have got the crops in and have given them the best chance we can.”
He farms with his wife Anita and brother William, having recently taken the reins from their parents Rob and Marie.
They run a mixed farming operation, including a self-replacing Merino flock, and have sown 1700 hectares of their own, sharefarmed and contract land.
This year the Graetzes dry-sowed wheat, barley, canola, lupins, oats and sheep feed, with the first paddock sown on May 12.
Hayden said sowing started later than the anticipated Anzac Day.
“It was a pretty casual event, because we were hoping there would be a decent rain coming,” he said.
“We were holding off because we didn’t want to be taking the paddocks away from the sheep.”
Hayden said last season started similarly, with many farmers struggling for decent rain but July and August had brought good falls, helping the crops through a tough year.
“The predictions are a little bit concerning, if it becomes a reality it will become a very tough season,” Hayden said. “If it does turn out to be a dry winter, spring will be critical.”
The only change to the cropping plan was a reduction of 200ha during the past two years to allow extra feed for the sheep.
Ali Kuchel
Journalist at the Stock Journal, passionate about all things farming and equestrian also doubling as a photographer.
Journalist at the Stock Journal, passionate about all things farming and equestrian also doubling as a photographer.
