Vol. 20 18 No. No. 22 27 Vol. 6
FREE FREE PUBLICATION PUBLICATION
Wednesday, January 13, Wednesday, November 29, 2016 2017
THE BIG CHRISTMAS CATALOGUE LIFT-OUT INSIDE
HORSHAM CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT Sunday, December 3 PAGE 4
LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING: Agriculture minister Jaala Pulford inspects a frost-affected wheat crop at Langi Logan south of Ararat with farmers Bruce McKay and Andy Laidlaw. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Hit and miss A
BY DEAN LAWSON
western Victorian grains harvest is revealing a dramatic contrast in farming fortunes based on the variability of weather incidents, geography, crop diversity and simple timing.
MONTHLY FARMING FEATURE PAGES 33-41
IN THIS ISSUE
While some farmers are experiencing bumper results, especially in parts of the southern Mallee, others in the Western District hit hard by a one-in-50-year frost and in some circumstances follow-up hail, are predicting devastating losses across most crops. In much of the Wimmera, farmers are measuring harvest success
on a paddock-by-paddock scenario, with some crops such as canola returning outstanding results and barley presenting well, while much of the regional pulse crop has been ruined by frost. The dramatic contrast so far emerging from the harvest, almost finished in the Mallee, underway in the Wimmera and edging towards a start south of the Great Divide, has prompted Member for Lowan Emma Kealy to stress a need for communities to rally in support of each other. Ms Kealy, the Victorian Coalition’s mental-health representative, said predictions were that it would be a season of ‘haves and
have-nots’ as growers experienced everything from bumper results to extensive losses. She said while some farmers might have outstanding harvests, their near neighbours might not be so lucky. “We’re looking at what might be a significant contrast with the potential of results based on a paddock-to-paddock and crop-to-crop assessment,” she said. “That means while one farmer might have reason to celebrate, a next-door neighbour might be devastated – such is the nature of circumstances this harvest. “What’s important is that rural communities again come together
in resilient solidarity and tap into their reputable self-support mechanisms. “The message, in other words, is that everyone makes sure they look out for each other.” Ms Kealy said Wimmera-Mallee farmers remained some of the best in the world, but the thing they could not manipulate was the weather. “It’s important for farmers to know that the region is well aware of what they achieve and what they contribute and we’ll always stand with them,” she said. Continued page 3
• Pro-am returns to Horsham Golf Club • National win for Cross • Homing club’s 100 years
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