Promising outlook

Dry land farmers have welcomed widespread rainfall and remain optimistic ahead of this year’s sowing season.

Pre-season rainfall had produced “just the right amount of rain at just the right time”, according to the region’s farming community.

The perfectly wet conditions have created the best possible environment for another successful year with most regions receiving in excess of 50mm. 

Ultima farmer Geoff Nalder said the south of Ultima had received 65mm of rain, creating a canvas of soil good enough to grow just about any crop.

“The moisture has ensured we can start the season with confidence but of course that doesn’t guarantee anything later down the track,” he said.

“But good rainfall, followed by two dry weeks, means the ground is ideal for planting and that goes for all different sorts of crops, not just the grain.

“We will be aiming to complete our weed program and move into seed germination as early as today with any luck.

“The sandy country will be right to go this weekend and the rest will follow over the next two weeks.”

The bumper start to the growing season comes off the back of record breaking yields at the end of last year. 

While a good year tends to lead to a glut on the market, Mr Nalder said the quantity and quality of last year’s yields would more than compensate for any drop in prices.

“We definitely saw a profitable year last season despite an influx on the market,” he said.

“Last year was the best I’ve seen since 1983 when we also had the right amount of rain at the right time and a dry harvest period.

“I’ve seen many seasons start off well and then be destroyed by rain later in the year, so you can never predict what’s going to happen.”

To read more about this story, grab a copy of Friday’s Guardian (April 28).