Improved July rainfall has boosted crop outlooks and lifted the spirits of grain farmers. Crops have been quick to respond, with most cropping areas on track to achieve average July rainfall.
Wimmera farmers have recorded a general 30-35mm. This pattern has extended into the Southern Mallee, with Birchip and Hopetoun registering 20-25mm so far in July. Rainfall totals have petered away further north, with Swan Hill, Walpeup and Ouyen either missing out or recording negligible amounts. Mallee crops remain in good shape, despite the dry weather over the past six to eight weeks.
Grain prices continued to strengthen in the early part of last week before later steadying. Old crop APW ended the week $11 higher at $288 delivered Melbourne, while feed barley was steady at $252.