Agricultural
23 November, 2022
Widespread wet harvest making things difficult
Growers in the Clifton area, Darling Downs and beyond are feeling the pinch of widespread flooding and ongoing rain, with wet conditions downgrading grain quality, prolonging harvest and in worst cases, completely wiping out crops.
After an unusually wet September, October and start to November, thankfully for growers over the last few weeks persistent rainfall has ceased.
Most growers are preparing to harvest crops in the coming weeks, much later than usual - however, logistical issues such as road closures, access to storage, washouts, wet paddocks and damaged infrastructure are expected to make this harvest a difficult one.
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has conducted a series of webinars to help growers manage the implications of a wet harvest which can now be viewed online at any time.
GRDC Senior Relations Manager, Gillian Meppem - North, said the organisation has prioritised getting resources out to growers as quickly as possible during this time.
“I don’t think anyone could have anticipated the challenges growers would face at the end of a season that was shaping up to be incredible for most of the northern region,” she said.
“It’s been devastating to hear of crop loss across parts of the region, we’re focused on delivering tangible advice to growers to help them get harvestable crops off as efficiently and safely as possible.
“The webinars have extensive tips and information on how to properly store grain, retain seed and harvest canola in wet conditions.”
MCA Ag director, Paul Castor, in Toowoomba, said people were harvesting across the Western Downs and most were having a good run, producing promising yields.
Mr Castor said a lot of growers were still waiting to get on country, especially in southern parts of the Region near Goondiwindi, but they’ll get started when conditions allow.
“We expect there will be some quality issues and there’s been talk of falling numbers but overall, things are looking promising.”
Ms Meppem said GRDC would continue to circulate resources to help growers manage these ongoing wet conditions.
“Supporting growers is our utmost priority, so if there’s anything we can do to help manage the implications of a difficult harvest, please get in touch,” she said.
“The next few weeks will be a real challenge for growers, so we’re urging everyone to consider managing their fatigue and mental health and to reach out if they need support.”
Webinars cover topics including storing rain affected grain in a wet harvest, keeping rain affected grain for seed and harvesting canola in a La Niña.
