The saying that "when one thing ends another begins" is both metaphorically appropriate and physically apt for where our season sits on the farm.
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Looking at the paddocks turn from a more classic Wimmera winter to the unpredictable spring phase it feels like even though it's looking good now there is a long way before we can start chicken counting.
Depending on whichever forecaster you subscribe to there is a menu of predictions consisting of drier conditions, frosts, mild conditions, increased fire danger or heavy showers. All I do know for sure is that the days are getting longer and it feels like the boom spray has been going almost the whole year so far.
.. it feels like the boom spray has been going almost the whole year so far.
Over the past few months I've been travelling widely across the state and over all the Wimmera and most parts just north of the ranges are looking pretty handy.
As most people know the north west and parts of the south east are going through extreme drought while south of the ranges on the west of the state is seeing areas of water logging. It truly is amazing it can all happen in the one state in the same season.
I've had plenty of discussions around drought support and ensuring there is appropriate triggers for help balanced out with no lines on maps and even what does it look like being prepared for droughts. The more I have these discussions the more it is apparent that we need solid agriculture policy to encourage investment into what the different downturn scenarios on our farms to cover production and financial risk.
By production, it is about putting away for hard times and financial is about ensuring we're not exposing ourselves to over gearing or loading up on price risk. Navigating any scenario requires firstly a good season to have the capacity to invest and secondly we need the government to develop incentives to encourage better outcomes. This isn't an easy fix but we are at looking at being in the position to invest in our futures a little more compared to farms who are currently facing extreme hardship. This is the work we have been doing both at the state and national level.
So whatever predictions you're subscribing to I hope that everyone has had solid growth to date and that we all get enough moisture to get our chickens home.
