In an incredible 12-month turnaround, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARES), predicts this year’s harvest will be the second biggest winter crop in a decade.
ABARES executive director Dr Steve Hatfield-Dodds said the agriculture industry is set for a recovery after three years of drought-affected production.
“The value of crop production is forecast to increase by 17 per cent to over $32 billion on the back of much improved seasonal conditions, particularly in New South Wales,” Dr Hatfield-Dodds said.
Coreen farmer Marc Playford is thrilled with his crops this year thanks to a milder winter, good rainfall and very few spring frosts.
“This year couldn’t be any better. Everything has gone to plan so far. Rainfall has been perfect,” Mr Playford told The Free Press.
Mr Playford is the youngest generation involved in a well-established family farming operation.
“I am mainly involved with the cropping side of the business, dad handles the sheep side and pa does every other job. We all help each other out though,” the 26-year-old said.
“We have oats, canola, wheat and barley as well as grazing stuff like lucerne and clover for the sheep side of it all.”
While Mr Playford is optimistic about a good harvest, he is keeping is hopes grounded amid forecasts for heavy rainfall over the next few months.
Last week, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) confirmed a La Nina weather event for Australia meaning a much wetter season than usual.
While a La Nina event is typically associated with a bumper crop year, it can be a double-edged sword for farmers. Too much rain
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