Research for the Riverine Plains 2018

Welcome to the 2018 edition of Research for the Riverine Plains. 

The 2017–18 season was another unique year, with the wet conditions in 2016 seeing many growers head into 2017 with a full soil profile and a pocket full of optimism. The dry June, as well as the warm and dry September, saw lowest-on-record rainfall totals for many areas, which looked set to check yields significantly. Fortunately, plentiful rains across large parts of our membership area during the middle two weeks of October provided a late reprieve and turned the season for many. However, in the areas that missed out on the rain, or where the rain was too late to make a difference, particularly in the north, the season was particularly tough. Others too, were left lamenting the effect of late and severe frosts, with yields reduced and in a number of instances canola was cut for hay. 

As ever, farming is a challenging game and our ability to respond to seasonal conditions depends on a number of things, not least our emotional and financial well-being. During tough times, when our stress levels are high, our decision-making ability can be compromised and we can also find ourselves feeling isolated or confused about what to do next. This is why being connected to groups such as Riverine Plains is so important. Our extensive peer network and program of events and field days provide a social forum, as well as access to new ideas and quality information to help us navigate the tough seasons, as well as those curveball issues that can occur in any season. 

Learn more about our research trials and activities in Research for the Riverine Plains, 2018.