Cool temperatures and rain mean slow start to grain harvest, but plenty of optimism for yield and quality

Mid West farmers are reporting a slow start to harvest, but strong results so far are a reason for optimism as the cool temperatures give hope for a good season.

Rain and cooler temperatures, which have continued since August, mean farmers have been waiting longer for their crops to dry out before they harvest them.

Extra waiting time also means more time for crops to grow and ripen, making prospects brighter for better yields and quality.

Courtney Humphrey, project officer at the Mingenew-Irwin Group, which works with local farmers to collect their grain, said it’s been an unusual season so far.

“It’s been one of those soft finishes and slow starts for the harvest this year that we aren’t really used to anymore,” she said.

“We’ve just got to sit and wait for the farmers to give us a call when they’re ready.”

Ms Humphrey said despite the delays, the extra waiting time was a benefit, and yield and quality had been good so far.

“We shouldn’t be complaining because a soft finish is what we always wish for, and we have grain going in the (storage) bin so it’s a pretty good outcome,” she said.

“Hopefully with this warmer weather at the end of the week, we should be getting some phone calls from farmers that they are getting close.”

Arrino farmer Geoff Cosgrove said the harvest had had great results so far.

Cooler temperatures over the last month have been a challenge for Mr Cosgrove, but yield and quality have been strong and he said he expected warmer temperatures would mean the brunt of work can get under way soon.

“Our canolas probably had the highest yield it’s ever had ... lupins are as good as they’ve ever been in a long time, some wheat as well, the yields are excellent and the quality is really good,” he said.

Grain exporter CBH said the extra time had helped them prepare for what they expected to be a busy couple of months.

Chief operations officer Mick Daw said CBH had used the time to empty up as much storage space as possible.

“Thanks to another record-breaking shipping month, we have successfully reduced the carry position to below 3 million tonnes, which has put us in a great position for harvest,” he said.

With grain output beginning to pick up, Mr Daw called for patience and understanding as pressure builds on the supply chain.

“With everyone expecting another large harvest, we know that pressures are high to get the crop off quickly and efficiently. However, we are encouraging everyone to do the right thing, be patient and stay safe,” he said.

Mr Cosgrove echoed the sentiment, reminding everyone involved in the harvest to remember what’s most important.

“We want to catch up with everyone after Christmas after we knock this job off,” he said.