Rain Revives Hope for Northern Victorian Grain Harvest

Farmer Eddy Rovers and his son-in-law Rob Marsden were ecstatic when rain finally came to their parched Scepter wheat crop in northern Victoria. The dry spell had been worrying them, especially since a good start in May was threatened by low rainfall in September.

With less than half the average rainfall for the month of September, many farmers in the region were on edge. But the 40-hectare paddock where Eddy and Rob were standing had been fortunate to have irrigation available - albeit at a pricey $300 per megaliter.

The high cost of diesel and fertilizers has made them cautious about using water unnecessarily. However, they welcomed the rain as a much-needed relief for their crop, which is expected to be harvested in November.

International factors are still affecting grain prices, with Rabobank reporting that 6 million tonnes of grain have failed to reach global markets due to export issues from Russia and Ukraine. This has contributed to stronger international prices.