Congupna farmer Craig Reynolds said conditions were better than last year, but water and fertiliser pressures were coming down hard on farmers.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Cropping conditions across irrigated districts are shaping up well ahead of last year, with timely summer rainfall supporting crops, though elevated water prices and persistently high input costs are tempering confidence.
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Congupna grower Craig Reynolds said the improvement on last season’s extremely dry summer was already evident.
“This time last year it was really dry, with no rain in sight,” he said.
“This year’s looking way better.”
The Bureau of Meteorology has recorded 111 millimetres of rain so far this year at nearby gauges, with March rainfall in particular delivering a valuable boost for summer crops.
Maize remains part of Craig Reynolds’ rotation, while winter cropping will include wheat, canola and an expanded barley program.
Mr Reynolds said barley had become a more attractive option as growers respond to fertiliser costs and seasonal forecasts.
“With fertiliser prices where they are, and the forecast for a dry spring, barley made a bit more sense,” he said.
He said barley generally required less nitrogen and allowed greater flexibility around quality, with lower‑protein barley still able to find a market.
Wheat, by contrast, typically needs higher protein levels, often achieved through additional fertiliser, to attract premiums.
Fertiliser supplies have improved compared to earlier in the season, but remain under close watch.
Mr Reynolds said he secured liquid fertiliser early, with strong demand emerging as growers moved to lock in product ahead of incoming shipments.
High water prices remain one of the biggest constraints on yield expectations.
“Water’s so expensive ... if that doesn’t turn around, we won’t be irrigating,” he said.
While improved moisture levels have provided a lift in confidence, Mr Reynolds said margins would ultimately depend on a combination of water prices, spring rainfall and ongoing input costs, leaving growers cautiously optimistic as the season unfolds.
The Bureau of Meteorology’S long range forecast for Autumn shows rainfall is likely to be below average for most southern parts of Australia and above average for parts of the north.
In April, there is an increased chance of unusually low rainfall in some areas including parts of Victoria, and south-western areas of Western Australia.
Autumn days and nights are likely to be warmer than average across much of Australia.
There is an increased chance of unusually high daytime temperatures for parts of the east and west of the country.
Overnight temperatures are likely to be above average across much of Australia, except in parts of the interior.
The 2025–26 La Niña continues to weaken in the tropical Pacific with a return to ENSO-neutral conditions expected by early autumn. Some models indicate a chance of El Niño forming around June, however forecasts beyond autumn are highly uncertain.
Craig Reynolds rotates crops on his Congupna farm, including a run of faba beans.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
