Seasonal conditions allow canola harvest to start

18 Nov 2016

During October rainfall across NSW returned to a normal pattern following record wet conditions during winter and early spring.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Seasonal Conditions Coordinator Ian McGowen said it was pleasing to see more normal rainfall patterns during October with much of inland NSW receiving near average rainfall, although above average rainfall was received across areas of the north west, central west and tablelands.

“About 75 per cent of the state received near-average rainfall during October, with below average rainfall received across areas of the south to central coast and the far north coast of NSW during October,” Mr McGowen said.

“Pasture growth during October declined in areas of the far west, north coast and Sydney basin but generally remained moderate to high during the month.

“Relative to historical records, October pasture growth was average across most of western NSW and generally average to above average across the north west, central west, Riverina, far south and the tablelands.

“The drier conditions and good pasture growth are aiding fodder conservation in inland areas, with hay and silage yields likely to be well above normal.

“Stock condition is generally good, although foot problems, bloat and increased worm burdens continue to be issues for livestock producers.”

Mr McGowen said harvest has commenced in the north of the state for canola and barley. Windrowing of canola is commencing in other areas.

“Early sown crops and those where waterlogging was minimal generally have above average yield potential.

“The cooler temperatures during early spring have aided winter crop grain fill and benefitted canola oil content. However, protein levels in cereals are likely to be lower than normal,” Mr McGowen said.

“Waterlogging and disease have affected pulse crop yield potential. Around 10-30 per cent of winter crop area has been lost due to waterlogging and inundation.”

“Cotton planting has been mostly completed in the north. In the south, difficulties in ground preparation and weed control may result in the area sown to summer crops being less than expected. Rice sowings have mostly been completed.”

The Bureau of Meteorology’s rainfall outlook for November to January indicates that there is a near-equal probability of drier or wetter than normal conditions across most of NSW, with drier than normal conditions likely in the far north east of the state.

During November drier than normal conditions are likely for most of NSW.

The warm sea surface temperatures to the north and north west of Australia are still providing abundant sources of moisture. However, the influences from the Indian Ocean that resulted in the wet winter are weakening. A northerly shift in the westerly winds and high pressure systems from the south of Australia is now contributing to a drier outlook for the month across NSW.

Media contact: Anne Brook (02) 6763 1163 or 0477 358 305