Winter crop predictions 2006

[Dave]

There are already some bold claims being made about this year's winter crop, at least in NSW anyway.

It's very early in the season to be making predictions I would have thought. We have only just had some opening rains in SA this weekend (at least 10 mm in many places) but there is a long way to go yet.

What's happening in the West, does anyone know?

Full story (ABC News) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200604/s1617784.htm)

[wato]

From what I here some pasture is going in down south and I think up north they got a bit of rain over Easter so canola and lupins should be starting soon.
Most areas should have good subsoil moisture from summer rains. Here in the middle I haven't had any substantial rain since Feb so it is a waiting game but don't usually start till early may so not worried.
Cheers.

[nswnotill]

:crying I am writing this on 25th May, and the position is grim. I estimate less than 5% of the winter crop has been planted in NE Australia. The only areas I know of are in some parts of the NW Plains of NSW (N and NW of Moree) where there were some rainfall events through the late summer and early autumn. Farmers there can plant with deep furrow drills.
Elsewhere in NSW no subsoil water, and no recent rain to plant.
I read of a fair amount of planting around Central Queensland in the Emerald-Springsure area, due to spin off from some of the cyclones.
Given that it now too late for much the early stuff and crops like canola, things are not good.
Remember that most winter crops lose 7% per week in yield for every week delay after optimum planting time ( which is now nearly over).:mad:
Perhaps the season could go like last year, when most farmers in E. Australia planted late, and were saved by good spring rains.
Can we make it two in a row?
Who knows?

[nhulls]

Just thought i'd check to see the feelings for the cropping and harvest seasons based on current conditions for 2007...

[mag]

2007...

2006 - just made even via selling direct to a local mill over here in the west, 2007 is too early to tell but indications are for a better season, WE HOPE!:cool: