Although Australian growers might be experiencing both market troubles and logistical issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic, producers say seasonal conditions are the best in years. Derek Schoen of "Killeneen," at Corowa measured another 10.5mm of rain in the gauge on Saturday, after the Friday night falls. It came as a handy follow-up rain to further establish what he has described as the best season in the region for about 20 years.
In recent times, to meet sowing windows, crops have been planted into dry soil. "We have sown crops dry for up to 10 years," Schoen said.
The positive sentiment at a national level is also being felt with rural commentators calling the 2020 season a good one. According to Rural Bank's Australian agriculture mid-year outlook 2020 improved rainfall is driving restocking for cattle and sheep producers, and increasing production of fruit and vegetables, milk, cereals, canola and wool.
Rural Bank's chief operating officer, Will Rayner, said the agricultural outlook was broadly positive for the second half of the year. He said looking at global markets, escalating trade tensions with China were an area of concern, particularly for broadacre croppers.
Source: therural.com.au