Scorching temperatures in early October have taken a toll on the quality of this year’s canola harvest on top of the disappointing drought yields.
Earlier maturing crops appear to have fared a little better with farmers still reporting oil contents in the 40 to 43 per cent range, however later crops across the Wimmera, central regions and Western District have suffered more with oils generally below 40 per cent and in some cases below 35 per cent.
Yields have also been disappointing in the later crop, reversing the early harvest reports where crops were slightly better than preharvest expectations. A string of good seasons and higher prices made canola a popular choice but the recent trend of hot, dry springs across Victoria is testing the resolve of canola growers.
