MOST areas across the state have remained somewhat dry until this week, after January rainfall mostly dried up, causing graingrowers to look ahead for the next solid rain to begin seeding.
Subsoil moisture seems to be a point of difference between the regions, with the Lower North and Yorke Peninsula heading into the 2022-23 season with a pretty full moisture profile but other areas are still lacking water reserves. Parts of the SA Mallee and Southern Flinders have less stored moisture and are sitting back and waiting.
Elders Murray Bridge agronomist Craig Bell said a lot of the Mallee received a "couple" of showers, with some parts receiving up to 25 millimetres.
"It has been incredibly dry in the Mallee, growers are a bit wary but no one is too concerned just yet," he said.
"Lameroo had 50mm from thunderstorms a month ago, so this will help but there is still not a lot of soil moisture."
Cautiousness about when to fire up the seeder seems to be widespread but Salter Springs independent agronomist Craig Davis said a confidence booster could be on the way this Anzac Day.
"We have a dry seed bed but moisture at depth, though most will be cautious," he said. "Farmers will be itching to get canola and beans sown early but won't take any gambles on it."
Yorke Peninsula agronomist Zack Zweck said it would not take much rain for the district to get going.
"About 15mm should do it in the next week or so," he said. "Soil moisture is about about three quarters full so growers are already excited."
Port Germein consultant Barry Mudge said it was not wet enough there for growers to scratch in the beginning of their programs.
"It has been a reasonable start but most are less than enthusiastic about the forecast," he said.
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