HARVEST is well underway across the Loddon Valley, with farmers turning their attention from canola to cereal crops. 
The dry November weather had provided ideal conditions, allowing a smooth and uninterrupted early harvest. 
Key crops including canola, lentils, faba beans, lupins, and barley are nearing completion, with much of the grain safely stored in bunkers.
Despite receiving only 230mm of rain since February, yields have been impressive.
Canola crops from dryland areas are averaging 2-2.5t/ha, a testament to strategic moisture conservation and summer spraying efforts. Crops that tapped into the sub- soil moisture left by over 300mm of summer rainfall performed particularly well, underscoring the importance of proactive management. 
The GRDC’s figure that “every dollar spent on summer spraying returns $7.20” has proven true once again this season.
Sowing time has also played a crucial role. Crops sown into moist soils early in the season were able to establish strong biomass, giving them an advantage throughout the year. These early crops matured faster and, if they avoided frost damage, were able to fill grain heads before the dry spring took its toll.
As headers continue rolling, farmers remain hopeful that the dry weather will soon be back, ensuring a smooth finish to what has been a challenging but rewarding season. 
With careful planning and hard work paying dividends, the 2024 harvest is shaping up to be a result of the resilience and adaptability of the region’s growers.
Kurt Lukies,
Wheelhouse AGnVET