Winton grower Gareth Rogers focusing on canola threat posed by wet conditions

After several years of drought, the rain is providing an opportunity for growers to enjoy back-to-back bumper years but it has also created some problems.

For growers such as Gareth Rogers, Braeside, Winton, increased sowing rates have been necessary due to the wet conditions and that's for paddocks that are accessible.

As well as upping the sowing rate from 2.2kg/ha to 3kg/ha, Mr Rogers is also trialing additional boron applications on the 150 hectares of Pioneer 43Y92 variety canola he planted on his property on the outskirts of Tamworth on May 10.

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The need for additional boron was identified by Mr Rogers' agronomist Alice Bowler, AMPS Tamworth, after she conducted tissue tests over the past three years.

Mr Rogers said he was eager to make his canola crop a success due to high international prices driven by drought and heatwave conditions in Canada.

"The canola was planted probably two to three weeks late because it has been so wet and I've been here about nine years and this year has been our best for rainfall, but it's almost been too much and we're getting a few problems with the crops," Mr Rogers said.

"We're putting on trace elements and nitrogen because at the moment canola is going for $730 per tonne into the receival at Werris Creek and so we will be keeping a close eye on the crop for disease and that sort of thing."

As part of his cropping rotation, Mr Rogers has planted 130ha of Lancer variety wheat and 60ha of Bindaroi durum wheat.

Although, Mr Rogers said the wet conditions had limited the amount of durum wheat in the district.

"There has been very little durum planted around here this year because it has been too wet to get in and I think most people will be looking to get some in over the next 10 days, otherwise that country will be used for sorghum," he said.

"From what we're hearing, there is more rain predicted on Friday, so I dare say those who haven't got their durum wheat in might have to leave it out for summer crops.

"It's not a bad problem to have compared to where we were during the drought, but the irony is now we are crying out for a bit of a dry spell."

Mr Rogers said the limited amount of durum wheat planted in the district may impact prices come harvest.

"I think we could feasibly be in a similar position with durum wheat that we are currently in with canola," he said.

"The wet weather is limiting how much people can plant, so it could be high demand later in the year.

"Ideally, weather wise, we would love a bit of a dry spell for the next few weeks before some nice finishing rain in late August or September.

"It's quite ironic that we're calling for a dry spell after so many years of drought, but we're not complaining, that's for sure."

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