Victoria’s farmers could expect more rain in the coming week, as another “nice, big” cold front passes over the state, according to Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) senior forecaster, Stephen King.
Mr King said while conditions had remained stable for the last week, with cool mornings and mild days, next week the weather was set to change again.
“Leading into the weekend, we will see some showers for the west of the state on Saturday, ahead of a nice, big cold front coming through on Sunday,” Mr King said.
“At this point, we are saying Victoria should receive 10-20 millimetres of rain, in the south, with up to five mm in the north, with much colder conditions.”
The front would be followed by a low, likely to form in the east, which could bring “useful rain” to Gippsland.
At Nurcoung, cropper Xavier Breen said falls had been light, with the area missing out on the good rain, which hit Edenhope region recently.
“From a crop perspective, it helps us get our paddocks organised,” Mr Breen said.
Mr Breen said he planned to plant canola, wheat, barley, lentils, lupins, clover and oats.
Currently he was burning stubbles, doing some pre-drilling and putting down fertiliser.
“We have definitely got moisture down there from the wet year, last year – but a good inch (of rain) would be an awesome start, if we could get that.
“Who knows what could happen?”
Fernihurst mixed farmer Adam Wright said he was also doing some ground preparation.
The Loddon Valley had missed out on the recent rain event, “in the last month, we had 30-40 points, and just on a week ago we had six points.
“I’m not too concerned, at this stage, but ask me again in May.”
Mr Wright said he was repairing fences, chopping stubble, in preparation for this year’s crop, and was about to start irrigating.
There was still subsoil moisture, after good spring rains.
“I think it’s not too bad, judging by digging the strainer post holes, for fencing – there is still a bit of moisture down there; an inch of rain, around Anzac Day, would be ideal.”
Seaspray’s Gregor McNaughton, said he was expecting follow up rain, from a heavy fall a fortnight ago. Running a Merino and Border Cross flock, Mr McNaughton said the property had only received 50millimetres of rain in January and February.
“Two weeks ago we copped 50mm of rain, it had been terribly dry, prior to that,” Mr McNaughton said.
“I think this little pocket is as good as anywhere in Gippsland.”
Solid falls next week would set up the property for “a reasonable autumn.” The Merino flock was currently lambing and paddock growth would be welcome, as the sheep were currently being supplementary fed.
Rob Liley, Walkerville, said their “huge spring” meant they had green feed all throughout summer and autumn.
“The feed is fantastic, but in typical farmer fashion, at the end of the week after the heat, we’re going to need more rain,” Mr Liley said.
He said they received about 19mm of rain towards the end of last week, which has allowed them to “keep hanging on”.
“It’s been incredible, we’ve just got the rain when we needed it,” he said.
“We’re still selling bullocks, and they have fattened fantastically, and are being sent off at great weights.”
