Central West NSW

Notes:

Commentary

• Moderate but sporadic rainfall across parts of the region over the weekend, with falls of between 40 – 60mm in the north and west, with 20 – 30mm in the south. There were minor and moderate flood warnings in place for riverine flooding in parts of the region, some of which are still ongoing, though the levels have subsided.
• Corn harvested in the period between rain events with expected reasonably good yields.
• Wheat and oilseed plantings continue as well as some trial barley crops. Hay and fodder crops are not considered a profitable option so there have been reduced plantings across the region.
• Reports of an increase in slug infestations, especially in canola crops. Monitoring along riverbanks and in thick stubble is recommended as the first step in control activities is to assess numbers. https://www.grdc.com.au have a number of resources regarding best practice slug control.
• With the autumn break and warmer temperatures pasture feed is available in good quantities. Oats, annual ryegrass and graze and grain canola are also offering plenty of green feed for sheep and cows.
• Some growers ran an aerial sowing program with a urea mix for canola before the rains to take advantage of warmer weather and forecast wetter conditions. Sowing schedule continuing in those areas less affected by adverse weather conditions.
• Mouse activity in the region continues to be reported, though the wet conditions are keeping numbers lower in some areas. Monitoring is recommended and where mouse control is required growers should spread bait during seeding https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/resources/mouse-management.
• Reports indicate the price of diesel is on the rise again across the region, which will further impact crop management decisions.
• Enquiries for hay have increased with a lot of farmers now purchasing hay to put away for later in the year. Lucerne hay is being sourced locally whilst most of the grass and clover hay is coming out of Victoria. High quality cereal hay is fetching better prices. Interest in straw appears to have decreased.
• Slight change to pricing this week.
• Cereal hay: +$3 ($175 to $225/t). Prices increase slightly this week.
• Lucerne hay: +0/-0 ($305 to $355/t). Prices remain steady this week
• Straw: +/-0 ($60 to $80/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +$3 ($165 to $220/t). Prices increase slightly this week.
• Please note: Unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, sourced and delivered locally. The price range indicated is for feeds of varying quality with the price range generally indicative of quality of feed. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.