Queensland farmers received the best general rains in several months as wild summer storms lashed the state over the weekend.
Although the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane recorded the brunt of the storms with falls of 150mm to 300mm, most of the state's agricultural regions also received beneficial rain.
Central Queensland grain farmers saw some of the best general inland falls. Most farmers received 40mm to 80mm for the week including Clermont, Emerald, Springsure and Rolleston. Emerald's 80mm has some farmers considering planting late sorghum and mung beans with the chance of more rain during the week.
Suppliers are reporting inquiry from farmers in the Central Highlands for sorghum planting seed. Most farmers will be happy to plant sorghum in Central Queensland to mid-February. Current strong prices for sorghum of $380 on farm will encourage late plantings.
Falls were patchier across the southern Queensland cropping areas but most area still recorded the best general rain in several months.
The Western Downs received 25mm up to 40mm with Surat recording an isolated 60mm. Meandarra and Miles had 25mm to 30mm. Falls were a little lighter closer to Goondiwindi with farmers reporting 20mm to 35mm. Dalby and Macalister had 60mm to 70mm for the week with more than 100mm in areas around Oakey.
Queensland pastoralists also received good rains as the tropical storms swept across the state. Cattle prices have kicked on the back of the rain with strong interest in cows and heifers as re-stockers enter the market.
Rainfall totals in the NSW cropping areas were viewed as disappointing. Areas around Moree received 50-60mm for the week, but this quickly tapered away to less than 10mm to the west and south.
Southern Queensland grain prices were little changed last week but prices were softer in other states as buyers stepped away to see if the rain puts any additional downward pressure on the market.
Stockfeed wheat into the Darling Downs was steady at $460 delivered for a February delivery while feed barley was back $5 to $403.
Feed barley prices moved sharply lower in WA, SA and Victoria as buyers stepped back from the market. Traders reported that feed barley bids into WA and Melbourne tumbled $20 a tonne soon after the forecasts of widespread rain appeared early last week. Wheat prices appeared better supported, where exporters remain anxious to lock up farmer supplies from WA and SA.
