Recent rainfall has come at the wrong time for farmers desperately trying to complete harvest across the Riverina.
Consistent and sometimes heavy rain last week is expected to impact on grain quality.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s Deniliquin Aiport weather station recorded 47.4mm of rain for the month of November, with just over 40mm of that recorded between Monday last week and Saturday.
Another 5mm of rain was also recorded on Sunday, and more rain is predicted this weekend.
But Nutrien Ag Solutions Deniliquin agronomist Riley Hamilton said rainfall in the rural areas has been reported as much higher.
He said while it should not impact on crop yield too much, it will affect the commercial quality.
“The biggest issue will be a quality downgrade in wheat and barley,” he said.
“If the grain gets wet after maturing, it can result in early germination in the head and more of it. This is called ‘shot and sprung’ grain.”
“So yields shouldn’t be damaged, but farmers may get paid less for what is affected.”
Mr Hamilton said some farmers have reported receiving up to 80mm of rain last week.
As well as potentially affecting grain quality, Mr Hamilton said the conditions have delayed harvest for many.
“Most are two thirds finished and have been affected while some have already finished and haven’t been,” he said.
As for what farmers can do, there is not much.
Mr Hamilton said the primary thing farmers can do is harvest when the conditions have settled.
“Once the rain stops, and it’s drier, try and do as much harvest as possible.”
While harvest continues, the Rural Fire Service is urging farmers to closely monitor weather conditions to help prevent the ignition of crop fires during harvest operations.
Cease harvest alerts will be issued when conditions are risky.
Farmers can obtain a Grain Harvesting Guide from their local Fire Control Centre, or online at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/harvesting-guide.