The project is an ongoing collaboration with the Finley Discussion Group, which sees farmers from across Blighty, Cobram, Berrigan, Finley, Tocumwal, Tuppal, East Jerilderie and West Jerilderie discuss farming practices, share harvest data and yield results.
The check results feature data from more than 70 local crops; detailing variety used, income per hectare, rain results, location, and yield.
During the reporting period, 11 irrigated wheat crops yielded seven tonnes per hectare — the highest yields recorded for the 2021 season.
They included Beckom, Vixen and Scepter varieties.
Dryland wheat yielded less tonnage than irrigated crops — as is typically the case — with just five crops netting more than five tonnes per hectare during 2021.
The highest yielding dryland wheat variety was Pascal.
Notably, the disparity between irrigated and non-irrigated crops was offset by improved seasonal rainfall.
‘‘The results have been far closer in the past two years due to high rainfall,’’ said Mr Lacy.
‘‘Normally dryland crops are limited by low rainfall during spring.’’
Mr Lacy suggested good seasonal weather complemented, though didn’t compete, with the record conditions of the 2020 season.
‘‘This was another great rainfall and cool spring weather season complementing the record 2020 season,’’ said Mr Lacy.
However, crop establishment proved challenging with no rainfall recorded for the month of April and limited downpours during May.
Both months were crucial for the establishment of canola and cereal varieties.
‘‘This led to limited crop germinations and emergence in early May,’’ Mr Lacy explained.
Ironically, rainfall in the months following presented another challenge for local growers.
‘‘I’d have to check, but the rainfall during November came close to record-breaking levels, and hampered harvest to the east and south of Berrigan.
‘‘This resulted in late harvests and really tested farmers who were working stop-start while worrying about shot or sprung grain — which didn’t end up being too much of an issue.
‘‘Nonetheless it was a very anxious harvest for a lot of farmers.’’
Copies of both the 2021 irrigated wheat, barley, oat, canola, graze grain check results, and the 2021 dryland wheat, barley, and canola check results are available at the Finley Discussion Group’s winter crop meeting.
For event details and more information, phone Mr Lacy on 0427 311 821 or email: johnmarglace@hotmail.com.