Farmers are becoming increasingly concerned that excessive rainfall could start to negatively impact winter grain crops.
Some areas of the western Darling Downs and Maranoa have already recorded four to five times their normal September rainfall after heavy storms late last week and through the weekend, with more rain forecast.
Rainfall totals of 50mm to more than 100mm were recorded across southern Queensland the past week, resulting in flood warnings being issued across the region. Miles received over 100mm of rain from Thursday to Monday, 95mm at Roma and 70mm in Surat.
The rainfall was widespread through the region but was generally lighter across the central and inner Downs. But it was still significant. Dalby recorded 45mm for the week while Jandowae recorded more than 60mm.
The torrential rain resulted in minor flooding in low lying areas but most of the water drained away reasonably quickly. But the rain has left paddocks saturated whereby farmers are fearful of more rain.
Forecasters are saying more rain is expected this week as another trough drags more tropical moisture down from northern Australia.
Central Queensland avoided much of last week’s rain but they still received enough to delay the start of chickpea harvesting. Farmers have been hoping for a few weeks of dry, warm weather to make dent in this year’s bumper crop.
Chickpea prices were firmer for October and November delivery but buying interest is limited beyond then. Talk of a record large Indian pulse harvest is dampening buying interest in the deferred months. Most expect India’s pulse imports will be well down on last year if they do pull off a record large harvest.
New crop wheat prices moved higher last week as concerns mount over global supplies of good quality milling wheat this season.
APW multi grade bids for new crop were $7 higher at $237, helped by the spate of recent reported export sales into Asia. New season F1 barley bids were steady at $197 Brisbane.
Concerns over the quality of Canada’s wheat crop were mildly supportive values last week as wet weather plagues their harvest. Above average rainfall during the Canadian growing season has resulted in bumper yields, but now is jeopardising grain quality.
A lower quality Canadian wheat crop would boost demand for countries holding good quality wheat. Europe has also had a poor quality wheat harvest this season.
The jury is still out of the quality of the Australian wheat crop but the favourable growing season and expected bumper yields is raising the chances of lower than normal protein levels.
ABARES raised their estimate of this year's Australian wheat crop to 28.1 million tonnes, which is now in line with market estimates. The ABARES estimate reflects the second largest crop on record, falling a bit below the record 29.6 million tonnes crop in 2011/12.
Despite concerns of the Australian wheat crop the crop being too wet in some areas, its widely expected to be a massive wheat harvest. Demand will clearly be the limiting factor, so local prices will be driven by global values.
Farmers are hoping for an end to the recent wet weather in exchange for some warmer and dryer conditions as crops mature.
