Recent rainfall hailed as ‘game-changer’ as deluge turns around the grain forecast for the Great Southern

Rainfall across the Great Southern this month has dramatically improved the region’s grain harvest forecast in the Grain Industry Association of WA August crop report. Crop report author Michael Lamond said the recent rainfall had been a “game-changer” for the 2020 season for many in the Albany Zone. “Widespread rain (from August 7-9) has increased the chance of WA grain growers producing at least an average total grain production of around 15 million tonnes,” he said. “Prior to the weekend rain and good rainfall in the south coastal areas the previous week, crops across the State were starting to go backwards from below-average winter rainfall.” Albany South has made a huge turnaround since the July report. “The dismal season for many has been completely turned around with falls of 30-200mm from the intense low pressure system in early August,” Mr Lamond said. “For many in the epicentre of the ‘no rain’ area south-east of the Stirling Range, it was their best rain for a couple years and has halted the run of record low rainfall. “It is incredible what one rain event can do, with some areas of the zone going from the driest July-August period to the wettest on record.” Mr Lamond said growers in the east were enjoying some of the best growing conditions in recent years, but would rely on more rain in the coming weeks. “Crops were just starting to run out of moisture and showing the signs of stress prior to the rain last week,” he said. “The region mostly missed out on the higher totals which were received further north, with most growers receiving less than 10mm. “The potential is still there for a well above-average year, although the next month will decide, as total rainfall for many growers is below average.” Canola and lupin crops were at their best in several years, with more biomass and grain yield potential above average. In the west of the Albany Zone, growers still needed some good spring rain to finish crops off and dodge frost, which had damaged yields for the past two years. “With top-end grain yield potential high, it is shaping up to be a very good year for growers in the region if the season goes their way,” Mr Lamond said. “The West Albany area has had a dream run and is shaping up to be similar to last year for potential grain production. Total winter rainfall has been below average, although this has resulted in less waterlogging and very few areas of the zone are showing crop stress from this at the moment.”