LACK of rainfall for the majority of the central Queensland, combined with climate forecasts aligning for a lower than average rainfall between April and June, has resulted in growers planting their winter crops earlier or not at all.
March rainfall has bolstered soil moisture in some areas across the Central Highlands region, which will allow many farmers to plant winter crops, including chickpeas and wheat.
While the winter season is still early, the lack of significant rainfall has reduced on-farm storages and as dry conditions endure, the prospects of a dryer and warmer winter has growers expecting a tough season ahead.
JB Ag Services agronomist Josh Bell said growers have good planting conditions in the Central Highlands at the moment, but agreed the forecast isn't particularly strong for rain from April to June.
Some growers are taking up the early opportunity now while they have good soil moisture and then seeing what could happen.
- Josh Bell, JB Ag Services
"At the moment, given how dry it is, most growers are putting in wheat and they might have a few paddocks that have achieved a good stubble comeback to plant chickpeas after."
With some growers starting to plant chickpeas for the season, Mr Bell said growers have opted for the Kyabra variety.
"The Kyabra variety is still the most popular variety due to its consistency and will mostly likely take up half the area," he said.