Far North Queensland, Rockhampton Dawson/Callide - QLD

Territory Manager:
Chris Farrelly

Callide Valley: Sorghum crops have been fairly handy, with a lot of 4-5t/ha yields about. The main plant sorghum all looks brilliant.

Dawson Valley: The plant was earlier around Moura and Theodore this year, with little sorghum going in after mid-December. The early crops have been a mixed bag: it is the same old story with storm rain: you have to be under it to get the moisture. Theodore has not done as well, however recent falls may help.

Duaringa: A reasonable spring start and then nothing in October and November saw crops suffer only to be saved and then nearly drowned in December and January. It is amazing how tough sorghum is. I saw a spring crop that I thought had perished and then rain brought up heaps of tillers. Now it looks like it will have a pretty good yield.

Atherton, The Gulf and NT: This area has had close to the wettest year on record. The Tableland’s corn plant was smaller and has copped a nonstop drenching.

There have been a lot of mungbeans planted and numerous growers don’t have contracts. If you are in this position, do something about it as there are a lot of mungbeans in the south.

With grain prices a bit light, many are discussing winter options. At least input prices will be kinder this year. There is much talk about oats as the summer forage plant was smaller than previous years due to an abundance of grass. Wheat and chickpea prices are also on everyone’s minds and winter planting decisions will be made shortly: call me if you need help.

Regards

Chris Farrelly

Last Updated: 21 September, 2007