cropping update, page-2

lot of vic mallee had more than average rainfall by end of feb.

not much rain in vic cropping belt last month. lot of dry sowing in sandy country,not much in mouse prone heavy ground.

mice a concern,not panic,but they increase the dry sowing risk.

canola acreage will explode,even if the break takes 2-3 more weeks. new headers and windrowers no longer available,new buyers have to go on a waiting list.

maximum inputs being thrown at high soil moisture levels b committed croppers. 30 new self propelled bomsprays had been ordered by russian interests,but the order fell through after the units were built.the half million dollar machines were snapped up in weeks by vic croppers.

livestock come off peak slightly, but at 6 dollars a kilo dressed weight,plus a 15-25 dollar skin, lamb has never been more profitable.the numbers do not work if trying to get into the industry from scratch, but established operators sitting well.

just need a rain by first week june.