I was hopeful 2022 would have good rains like 2021. The reality was above-average rains totalling 615 mm. The season was a rollercoaster starting off good then turning bad due to too much rain but finished better than I thought it would.
Most of the faba beans weren’t harvested as they were too diseased due to the wet season. On average they only yielded 200kg/ha, whereas the lentils did ok averaging 2t/ha, which we are still carting. The barley did well averaging 5t/ha and got to malt quality.
Due to the good rains and the price of canola, I thought I would get back into it after a break of 8 years and with a 3t/ha average yield it was worth it.
Wheat yields were ordinary averaging 3t/ha mainly due to the seasonal conditions and white grain issues made it a challenge to move.
I also breed crossbred lambs from Merino ewes with White Suffolk rams so have been doing sheep work lately along with summer spraying. As we have a bit of swamp country, renovation is an annual job. I am hoping to get some Gypsum home soon too, to start spreading.
The plan for 2023 will be similar to 2022 with an increase in area sown to canola. If I am concerned about anything at the moment it is getting some more rains prior to sowing, although there is good soil moisture the surface is drying out.
Due to the sheep and crop prices being good overall I am positive going into 2023 and hope to start sowing around Anzac Day.