Rainfall affects harvesting in Australia

22-Nov-2024 08:58 AM

Rainfall affects harvesting in Australia
The rainfall in Australia's northern region has significantly impacted the harvest this week, leading to a slowdown in grain movement and a near standstill in harvesting activities. Farmers are particularly focused on chickpea harvests, as they prioritize getting this crop to market amid the wet conditions.

In contrast, in southern regions of Australia, where conditions have varied from light to heavy rains, harvesting of canola and lentils for cash sales remains a key focus. However, these areas are also experiencing delays in harvesting due to the rain, particularly in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales.

One notable development is the heavy focus on chickpea exports. Despite the disruptions caused by the rain, large quantities of chickpeas are still being loaded onto ships, with four vessels in Brisbane currently being filled. However, the wet weather has led to challenges in fulfilling all orders, with some consumers receiving only a fraction of the grain they had booked last week.

Meanwhile, the strong market prices for canola and the high demand for lentils have encouraged farmers from central New South Wales to western Victoria to hold off on selling their wheat and barley crops. They are prioritizing their pulse crops—chickpeas, lentils, and others—due to both market conditions and the ongoing weather challenges.

Overall, Australian farmers are adapting to the weather, focusing on pulses like chickpeas and lentils, while some grain crops remain on hold.