Jumping in the ute and going for a drive, it is easy to say we are well progressed on harvest across the state.
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Some may say harvest is not finished until the grain is in the header box - others would argue harvest is not complete until all grain is housed and sold.
Although there is a big focus on sitting on the header and getting the job done, it is important to remember the other jobs that make up a successful harvest.
When it comes to avoiding admin errors, having all bases covered, such as contract reconciliations, is critical - from what contracts are yet to be filled, to understanding the specific requirements on those contracts.
What grades are accepted on the particular contract and are they fixed? If they are not, look for opportunities to fix the spreads to enable the best possible outcome.
Don't assume you can transfer any quality on a contract unless specified. For instance, this season downgraded canola grade Canx entered the system, which left growers uncertain.
In avoiding contract disputes and double selling, are you aware of the transfer period and do you have tonnage in warehouse now to fill the contract?
If there is surplus tonnage in warehouse, is it best to hold existing contracts and sell for cash today in the case of a particular grade's price being more advantageous?
Have you accounted for every load? You can't afford to give a load away.
And most importantly, have you been paid?
Our big learning from the 2023 season is we can generally produce average yields on low rainfall.
For a crop that went through its challenges and came out the other side a little battered and bruised, the production and quality has certainly surprised growers and the wider industry.
The contrast of the past two seasons has been incomparable.
It has gone from a marathon of a harvest, caused by weather delays and mammoth quantities pulled from paddocks, to a sprint to the finish line with such an early harvest due to the tap turning off and late frosts paying a visit in many regions.
The mental stretch required to adjust for such conditions takes its toll, as evident with the 2022-23 prolonged harvest going well beyond what everyone first anticipated leading to no down time between seasons.
The harvest clean up flowed straight into sowing and the effects of feeling overrun and exhausted began to show.
With growers not having the opportunity to stop and take a break in the past 12 months, it is safe to say this season's early finish is a sight for sore eyes.
Although time to relax is just what the doctor ordered, we know the typical farmer struggles with such a luxury, especially for the lengthy time we have on our hands.
Now is a great time to be proactive and critically plan for the coming season.
Have you accounted for every load?
Take it as a good opportunity to identify what slipped through the cracks on the maintenance list last year and get onto the 'to-dos' around the farm yard, out in the paddock or in the office.
Taking the opportunity to spend time with family and friends or just putting your feet up is well deserved after the nonstop hustle of the past few seasons.
If you're looking to burn off some steam and catch up with mates, there are a number of great initiatives spread across the state to get involved with such as the Fat Farmers Rural Health Group - visit fatfarmers.com
