Mixed Yields Expected in Mid North Harvest Amid Challenging Season

Growers in the Mid North region of Australia are preparing for a mixed harvest, with some areas struggling with below-average yields due to variable rainfall. Nutrien Riverton agronomist Andrew Parkinson notes that careful fertiliser management has been key to maximising yields and protecting margins. While disease pressure has been low, ryegrass has proven difficult to manage, and some wheat crops have been cut for hay.

Key Takeaways:

• Wheat yields are expected to range from 2 tonnes per hectare on the Adelaide Plains to 3-4 tonnes per hectare in higher rainfall zones.
• Barley crops have held up well, with clean canopies and good competition against weeds, but yields are expected to be 0.5-1 tonne per hectare below average.
• Canola has emerged as a bright spot, with yields from 1.5-2.5 tonnes per hectare, not far off long-term averages.
• Lentil yields are expected to sit around average, between 2-2.5 tonnes per hectare in higher rainfall areas, and 1-1.5 tonnes per hectare in lower rainfall country.
• Faba beans have struggled more in the dry finish, with yields around 2 tonnes per hectare, which is about half to one tonne below average.
• Field peas are expected to produce average yields of about 2-2.5 tonnes per hectare, with few disease problems reported.
• Harvest preparations are underway, with the first pulse crops being spray-topped ahead of expected starts in early November.
• Growers are expected to start a little earlier than usual and finish the harvest quicker due to below-average yields.

Statistics:

• Wheat yields: 2 tonnes per hectare (Adelaide Plains) to 3-4 tonnes per hectare (higher rainfall zones).
• Barley yields: 0.5-1 tonne per hectare below average.
• Canola yields: 1.5-2.5 tonnes per hectare.
• Lentil yields: 2-2.5 tonnes per hectare (higher rainfall areas), 1-1.5 tonnes per hectare (lower rainfall country).
• Faba bean yields: 2 tonnes per hectare, about half to one tonne below average.
• Field pea yields: 2-2.5 tonnes per hectare.
• Rainfall in the region: 241 millimetres (below average of about 430 mm).

Sources:

• Andrew Parkinson, Nutrien Riverton agronomist.
• Fairview Huddleston grower Henry Durrant.
• Article: "Mixed yields expected, but optimism ahead of Mid North harvest" by Kiara Stacey.