Grain growers were left disappointed by recent unsettled weather that unleashed severe storms in outback Queensland, but delivered very little rain across the state's parched cropping areas.
Parts of western Queensland had falls of 50 millimetres or more - mostly around Longreach and Windorah - but the rain didn't continue into the south east.
Southern Queensland grain farmers were desperate for a late soaking rain from the weekend storms to salvage winter crops, which have struggled through another difficult season.
Most southern farmers are saying it has been a frustrating season that promised a lot after the potential summer rains, only to unravel with the lack follow-up rain through the winter.
Some areas have fared better than others due to the patchy winter storm activity.
Condamine is expected to have reasonable crops, as will some parts around Goondiwindi.
Areas closest to the Queensland border received 2-5mm out of the weekend rain - including Moree, Garah and Collarenebri.
Time for beneficial late rain is running out for many southern Queensland farmers, where a lot of crop has already started to dry-down.
Wheat and barley harvest is expected to start in mid to late October.
Traders indicate Queensland grain production is unlikely to reach the levels forecast by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural Resources and Sciences because of the dry September.
Weekend rainfall was more favourable for New South Wales farmers, where most of the north west, central west and Riverina received 15-20mm in the gauge. Farmers there expect bumper crops.
But some NSW areas missed out, particularly in the north of the state
Australian grain prices climbed last week on the back of strengthening global markets and strong export demand.
Analysts are forecasting Russia will export a record 5.1 million tonnes of wheat in September.
ASX east coast wheat futures for a January delivery ended the week $4 higher at $292, and barley was up $2 at $225. Old crop grain prices in southern Queensland remain firm.
US wheat futures surged to six-month highs last week on strengthening Black Sea wheat values, where cash markets were sharp as dry weather stalled new season's winter wheat planting progress across much of Ukraine and southern Russia.
Most of the Black Sea winter wheat crops are typically planted in September and early October.
Dry weather in Argentina was also viewed as supportive for global wheat prices.
- Details: 0428 116 438 or lloyd@agscientia.com.au
