General News
19 June, 2024
Farmers look for more drops from sky
FARMERS are looking for more “good drenches” across the Loddon to boost their cereal crops. “We’ve had enough to get things going but we’re looking for that next rain,” said Bridgewater’s Corey Bowen. Corey, Adam Turnbull and Thomas...
FARMERS are looking for more “good drenches” across the Loddon to boost their cereal crops.
“We’ve had enough to get things going but we’re looking for that next rain,” said Bridgewater’s Corey Bowen.
Corey, Adam Turnbull and Thomas Johns were sharing hopes for season when more than 30 farmers attended a briefing breakfast in Bridgewater yesterday morning.
They heard Agriculture Victoria agronomist Dale Grey give a seasonal weather forecast, the first of three briefings organised by Loddon Shire. A second session was held in Boort yesterday lunchtime with the third in Pyramid Hill next Wednesday.
Adam said many farmers in the southern Loddon had this year switched land from canola crops to wheat as part of their rotation management.
The three local farmers said margins had also reduced for canola in recent seasons.
Corey said: “We need good top ups during winter after the early year rains that put plenty into the ground but we need some now on top ... a good two inches.”
While crops have been sown, Adam said his focus this month was applying fertiliser to maximise growth and returns.
Loddon Mayor Gavan Holt told the briefing that agriculture represented 70 per cent of the shire’s economic output.