Rain Brings Relief to Dry Wheat Crop in Northern Victoria

Farmer Eddy Rovers of Kyabram was relieved to see rain finally fall on his parched Scepter wheat crop last week. The crop, which had received a good start in May with plenty of moisture, had been struggling since the region's rainfall eased off in September.

The dry soil was evident when Eddy pulled out one plant by the roots to demonstrate how dry it was. The crop is expected to be harvested in November and, despite the initial drought-like conditions, it's looking promising so far.

High diesel and fertiliser prices have made Eddy cautious about using irrigation, which costs around $300 per megalitre. However, with international factors such as continued uncertainty over exports from Russia and Ukraine contributing to stronger grain prices, he may not have much choice.