Wimmera and Mallee grain farmers were left short-handed after last week’s change that dumped upwards of 100mm to some parts of the state.
Farmers waiting for general rain to start planting the 2017 crop were disappointed with storms that dropped 50-100mm across parts of western and central Victoria. Coastal areas west of Melbourne, extending into central Victoria, bore the brunt of the storms, but major cropping areas had little to no rain. Falls there were very disappointing as dominant highs across central and southern Australia continue to prevent changes penetrating inland. Most of the Wimmera and Mallee recorded less than 5mm, continuing a dry start to autumn.
Some farmers have started dry planting and this pattern is expected to accelerate after Anzac Day.
