“While most of last Sunday’s falls were 4mm to 10mm, yesterday's rain was perfect for lifting winter crop yield potential and season outlook as well as helping to replenish soil moisture,” he said.
“Oakland’s was the highest, from 24mm to 30mm. Jerilderie had 20mm, with 25mm to the east. Berrigan, Savernake and Mulwala were 18 to 22mm.
“For these areas it was probably one of the most important rainfalls for years, given many of the crops were late emerging in early June and soil moisture was low to moderate.
“It’s very timely for all the canola crops currently in full flowering.”
He said soil moisture was at a critical period, so rainfall was imperative to a good cropping season.
“The most critical soil moisture period for wheat is from heading to flowering seven days, with the optimum flowering date September 25,” Mr Lacy said.
“It’s only 11 days to heading for the early emerged wheat, so the current good soil moisture should hang on. Any further rains or showers will be a bonus.
“Hopefully irrigation allocations will rise, taking the pressure off high water prices. Some farmers have already used their five per cent allocation.
“Thanks to all the farmers who sent in their rainfalls and who were obviously very happy about it.”
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