It’s good news this winter for local farmers who are expecting a bumper crop.
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences’ Australian crop report June 2021 is forecasting above average winter crop production.
The report states that, while crop yields in New South Wales are expected to be lower than the record highs achieved last season, they will still be well above the 10-year average.
Wheat production will be around 15 per cent above this decade average, and barley production about seven per cent.
Favourable conditions have given the fields just the right environment to prosper over the coming months.
“We’ve got a good level of sub-soil moisture, meaning just below the surface is wet enough for the crops to be carried through until spring,” said district farmer Peter Dampney.
“So those plants that already have their roots down are benefiting greatly from that ground moisture.”
With most farms across the Narrabri Shire now finished planting, a little more rain should hopefully result in an exceptional crop come harvest time.
“A couple of good downfalls across August and September will reap very impressive results,” said Mr Dampney.
It seems the cold snap has come at the right time for the farming community, with the local mice population slowing down.
“They’re in survival mode now so, rather than breeding, the mice are focusing on finding cover and food.
“Which means it’s a great opportunity to clean up sheds and such across the farm, so the mice don’t have the means to resurge come spring time.
“If we continue being vigilant with poison and perimeter baiting, we might be able to keep the mice populations down even when it starts to warm up again.”
“Overall, things are looking very positive at the moment.”
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