Michelle Daw, Yorke Peninsula Country Times

Yorke Peninsula farmers are facing difficult decisions due to some of the lowest rainfall figures on record, compounded by hot, dry weather and frosts in September.

These harsh conditions have severely impacted crop yields across the region, with many farmers facing difficult decisions ahead of the upcoming harvest.

All districts have recorded well-below-average growing-season rainfall, and some areas have experienced their lowest rainfall on record for the year so far.

Independent YP agronomist Craig Wissell said many wheat and barley crops had suffered significant frost damage.

In some cases, these crops would not yield any grain, forcing farmers to either cut them for hay or graze them with livestock; some farmers had already taken these steps, as the situation worsened throughout the year, he said.

Mr Wissell described the season as particularly tough, citing the dry seeding months, late break and hot winds as key issues, in addition to frost damage.

He said YP’s western and eastern coastal areas had been hit the hardest with some only receiving a third of their usual growing season rainfall and many also affected by frost.

YPAG agronomist Nat Lloyd also noted widespread crop damage, particularly for canola, which had been hit hard in the southern regions where it was typically a reliable rotation crop.

He explained that wheat and lentil crops were showing some resilience due to their later development, but wheat heads were aborting grains, and lentils were struggling with pod filling, both of which were likely to result in poor yields.

In northern areas, like Mundoora, poor rainfall and heavy soils had created further challenges, with some paddocks being fallowed or cut early, he said.

“Port Victoria and Brentwood along the western coast have also faced considerable difficulties,” Mr Lloyd said.

“However, within these locations, there are undoubtedly areas performing reasonably well due to effective management, better soil types or a fortunate rainfall event.”

Mr Lloyd also pointed out the widespread September frost damage in low-lying, stressed areas, where many growers quickly decided to cut their crops for hay.

While hay markets were currently softening, he suggested there could be a potential upside for grain prices due to similar frost damage in New South Wales.

Mr Lloyd encouraged farmers to check in on neighbours and friends, as social connections are vital for maintaining mental health during periods of hardship.

“In challenging times, the strength of farming communities lies in their ability to come together and support one another,” he said.

Hay donations needed

In response to the difficult conditions, Yorke Peninsula farmers have been urged to consider donating frost-affected crops as hay to help livestock producers struggling with feed shortages due to drought-like conditions.

Elden Oster, a hay contractor and farmer, said several YP farmers, including himself, had already committed to donating hay.

Mr Oster also offered to help with cutting and baling the donated crops, to be transported by the charity Need for Feed.

“There is a lack of sheep feed on YP but it’s the ones in the Mid North and the Riverland that are really struggling,” he said.

“We want people to know that others care about them.”

Farmers interested in donating hay can find more information at needforfeed.org.

This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 9 October 2024.