With good rain forecast for Western Australia over coming days, will it be enough to revive the prospects for this year's winter crop?
WA last year produced around 40 per cent of the national winter crop, but crop forecasters say rain is needed within the next two weeks if a drop in production is to be avoided.
According to The Australian Financial Review, chief executive of Australian Crop Forecasters, Ron Storey, says there has been reasonable rain around Geraldton and Experance, but the region in the middle - which produces 70-80pc of the State's crop - had missed out so far this season.
"As for the crop in WA, I wouldn't describe it as struggling yet, it's hanging on but needs a drink in the next two weeks," Mr Storey said.
He said farmers in the eastern states would still need some spring rain to sustain the crop as the days got hotter and longer, but the good conditions so far had encouraged a feeling of confidence.
Email a friend