Cropping & Soil
1 November, 2026
Good yields expected across region
WITH recent warm weather, and welcome rains predicted across the district, many farmers can be optimistic of strong yields according to agronomist Andrew Speirs.
“Wheat, barley and canola beans are all going very well at the moment,” he said.
“They do need a little more rain to finish them well, but yield potential is looking like some of the best yields possible.
“The far south west has had its lowest rainfall on record for September in many places, which means silage yields are back significantly (around 50 per cent) and many hay paddocks may not be worth cutting.
“However, this really depends on another rain plus what rain was received in early October.”
According to Andrew, coastal areas such as Portland and Warrnambool received less than 20mm of rain, while Casterton and Hamilton recorded an average 30mm and Edenhope was more like 50mm.
“This variation, combined with a very dry September, has put us in a moisture deficit,” he said.
“This means hay and sileage yields will be lower than normal; the degree of which will depend on rainfall so far, soil fertility and when those paddocks were locked up.”
While the autumn/winter conditions were “very kind”, with good pasture growth, the last six weeks or so has seen well below average rainfall across most of the district – a worrying sign for many farmers.
“This lack of decent rainfall in recent weeks is a significant concern,” Andrew said.
“Areas dependent on surface run-off to fill dams have simply not got enough, so stock water is now a significant challenge for those farmers.
“While this may be concerning for those in the west of the state, other parts of the Wimmera and Mallee are magnificent.”