CROPPING

Concerns over rain impact on WA harvest

HEAVY rain continues to hamper WA harvest, and there are concerns over how it may impact the grain quality.

Alex Paull
Concerns over rain impact on WA harvest

CBH’s Albany Zone in particular received a barrage of rain across the zone, with some areas copping 70mm, which stopped harvest in its tracks.

Wheat in the region had already been downgraded due to frost, and Albany Zone manager Greg Thornton said the rain would play further havoc.

“Unfortunately there is potential for further downgrading due to the rain,” Thornton said.

“Falling number units and additional segregations to accommodate off grades of wheat are being introduced across the zone.”

Harvest in the Kwinana Zone was also hampered by heavy rain, with falls ranging from 3mm-100mm, however receivals for the season still ticked over 6 million tonnes.

Zone Manager Gavin Bignell said the vast majority of growers have finished coarse grains and are now delivering wheat. 

“A number of growers in the north of the zone will be finished their harvest programs next week, whilst the south of the zone growers will be harvesting into the New Year,” he said. 

“Grain quality is holding up relatively well, however it is too early to tell what impact the recent rain has had on the crop.”

In Geraldton, harvest is slowing down but sites are still under extreme pressure.

Zone manager Duncan Gray said despite the slowdown, strong tonnages were still being received. 

“Currently we are sitting on 3.12 million tonnes received with possibly another 150-250,000 tonnes to come in,” Gray said.

“All sites left open are under extreme pressure - we’re asking all growers to keep communicating with our teams on the ground regarding their personal situation so that we can alleviate any further disruptions that may occur.”

Harvest is expected to be finished this week in Esperance, while other areas may still be delivering through the Christmas and New Year period.

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