Harvest underway in Gindie

After a long and trying season, Mr Phillis said he was happy to get his sorghum harvested two weeks ago, and has now moved on to the wheat crop. 

Mr Phillis farms dryland at Lochmead, with a total of 2100 hectares, with 364ha allocated to wheat this season and 254ha planted to sorghum.

He said the sorghum crop was average, considering the season.

“It wasn’t good – but for the year we had we can’t complain,” he said.

It was a very similar story for the wheat crop, which should average yields of about 1.5t/ha. 

“The wheat, for the year we had, we also can't complain,” he said.

“It has been a pretty tricky year and to have any wheat at all is pretty good.

“It's probably averaging up to a-tonne-and-a-half per hectare, but the first paddock won't do that.”

That “pretty tricky year” saw a big impact from Tropical Cyclone Debbie – then not a lot else.

“It was crazy - it didn't rain at all until March, then it rained all of March, and it hasn't rained since,” Mr Phillis said.

“We had 10mm in May and that basically has been it. 

“It has been very ordinary, but we're pretty happy with the way things have gone considering the year.”

The wheat harvest had a slow start last week, and Mr Phillis said he hoped to be finished this coming weekend. 

Next season will present a new challenge other than the weather though – with the reclassification of Kennedy as a feed wheat set to impact the operation. 

“We grew mainly Kennedy this year and it's the last year I can grow it because it is only a feed classification next year,” Mr Phillis said.

“I’ll have to go and find another variety, because I usually do plant Kennedy, but there’s plenty (of varieties) around so I should find one.”

Mr Phillis said it was a shame to see the variety downgraded, as it suited the region. 

The downgrade of Kennedy is expected to primarily impact Central Queensland farmers.

Mr Phillis said despite the challenges of the season, he was happy overall with the performance of his sorghum and wheat crops.