FARMERS across the region have described last week’s rain as “a little bit more than ideal”, with falls of up to 98mm recorded around the region just weeks out from the start of harvest.
Quambatook farmer Brett Hosking said this year’s growing season had been unpredictable.
“This season has thrown the kitchen sink at us,” Mr Hosking said, noting massive rainfalls, a very dry period and frost had impacted the season.
Last week’s rain resulted in flash flooding across parts of the district.
Mr Hosking recorded between 62mm and 98mm across his Quambatook property, while Nullawil recorded 60mm, Kerang 45mm, Woomelang 50mm, Boort 35mm, Nandaly 40mm and Charlton 17mm.
Despite the late deluge, farmers remain optimistic.
“While the rain was a whisker too late for the crops, we appreciate it and will make use of what we get,” Mr Hosking said.
“With good weed management, we will be able to carry that moisture into next season.”
However, it’s a different story for those baling hay, with the extent of the damage yet to be determined.
Hay contractor Aidan McGrath said the rain had slowed baling efforts throughout the Mallee.
“We’re potentially two weeks behind now,” Mr McGrath said.
He said while the rain may downgrade hay quality, it was too early to determine the overall impact.
“From what I’ve seen, it’s still holding its colour pretty well,” he said.
These sentiments were echoed by Tony Bloomfield, who farms just outside of Kerang.
His property recorded 42mm of rain last week, and baling efforts have been delayed as he waits for paddocks to dry out.
“That rain would have been fantastic in August,” Mr Bloomfield said.
“We will have to assess each paddock on its own merit as to the impact, once we can access them.”
Mr Bloomfield remained hopeful they would get through it with minimal impact.
“A second rain event like this will knock us around,” Mr Bloomfield said.
