THE WEEKLY TIMES | Growers weighing up canola risk in a dry year

Dry conditions in parts of Australia have prompted growers to reconsider their area planned for canola plantings.

The Weekly Times reported that even a rally in the price of canola, which is sitting at about $830 per tonne in Melbourne, hasn't been able to sway growers on their decisions.

For Victorian Farmers Federation Grains Section President and Minyip grower Ryan Milgate, canola will not be included in his 2025 rotation.

Mr Milgate said he was fortunate to have options such as growing hay crops or adding lentils as a break in the rotation.

“As much as anything, it is about our subsoil moisture, which is low, and I see it as being risky,” he said.

Grain Producers Australia chairman Barry Large farms at Miling in Western Australia and said sowing had started in his area.

However, he was concerned for farmers who were heading into the 2025 sowing season with marginal moisture.

“For some people, in South Australia and parts of Victoria, this is the second dry year,” he said.

Overall, he said sentiment in Western Australia this year was better than last when farmers were leaving canola out of the rotation because it was so dry.

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