CROPS in the Mallee near Swan Hill have received a highly sought-after soaking in isolated showers and thunderstorms this week.
Farmers along the river welcomed the rain after a dry start to spring which has caused visible signs of damage to crops across the region, but according to Department of Primary Industries agronomist Rob Sonogan many are still waiting for their share.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, 19.8mm of rain was recorded in Swan Hill and Mr Sonogan said properties in Castle Donnington and Goshun had reported up to 26mm after isolated thunderstorms and showers swept through the area on Monday night and Tuesday morning.
Cereal farmer Ross Kentish described Monday night’s rain as “saviour rain”, but said his crops would need more moisture before harvest.
Mr Kentish said after noticing visible stress signs in his crops, his Piangil property received about 15 to 17mm of much-needed rainfall.
“The rain was very timely, the crops were starting to flag a bit,” he said.
“Some of the wheat crops in the lighter sand were starting to brown off, and starting to really stress.
“The canola was starting to lose flowers. But better late than never.”
Mr Kentish said another rain event was needed in the next couple of weeks to boost his wheat and chickpea crops.
“Most people have got a little bit and some people have got more,” Mr Sonogan said.
“It tapers off as soon as you go into the Mallee — 30 km from the river it’s tapered right off.
“The storms followed the river, there may be places that received only 4 to 5mm out in the Mallee.”
Mr Sonogan said crops that gained 2 to 3mm would be back to where they were in a couple of days, but added that the cooler weather and some rain was better than a hot day.
Grain and vegetable farmer Cameron Warne said his farm south of Culgoa recorded a 4mm share of this week’s downpours.
Mr Warne said his crops were just starting to show signs of stress.
“It’s better than nothing, but if we had the 20mm that Swan Hill got it would have got us over the line,” Mr Warne said.
“We just have to wait, and keep looking at the skies.”
Showers are forecast to continue until tomorrow, with a top temperature of 26 degrees in Swan Hill.
