The challenge, in its sixth year, pits teams of consultants, seed companies, teachers, students and researchers against each other to see who can grow the highest yielding and most profitable crop.

This year's crop is faba beans.

Longerenong College teacher and challenge organiser Bryan Matuschka said all the crops were looking all right, they just needed more rain.

"A few teams have sprayed fungicide at the weekend," he said.

"But the beans are drying off and they will struggle for moisture soon.

"It's like every other farmer's crops in the district."

Mr Matuschka said there was not a lot of difference between the teams at the moment.

"It is still a bit early to tell differences between the varieties at this stage as the crops are just starting to flower," he said.

"There is a difference in height though, so it will be interesting to see if this leads to a difference in yields.

"The teams that chose to sow later, their crops seem to be a long way behind."

About four different varieties of faba beans were sown.

Mr Matuschka said the most popular variety was Nura.

He said all the teams, especially the students, were very enthusiastic this year.

"The students were here last week having a meeting about it," he said.

"They are keen to be involved in all of the decisions and have an active interest."

Each team has 50 hectares to farm