RECENT rain has filled dams and given paddocks a green tinge across NSW.

Hopefully the rains of recent times will continue through the growing season, so that a full sub soil moisture profile can be achieved.

Although the rain brings the weeds and extra costs for farmers with spraying and alike, it instills a little confidence in us all and creates a sense of optimism about the up coming season.

While growers contemplate their cropping rotations and intentions for the coming season, there is still on farm and warehoused grain unsold.

Growers now seem less concerned about the small warehouse fees they incur each month and will hold on until a definite price spike comes in their favour.

Everyone seems to be asking the question, “What delivered markets are out there for my on farm grain?”

There are a number of options we have on offer around southern NSW, including Jindalee, Tabbita and Rockdale for F1 Barley. Harwood, Narrandera, Bathurst, Melbourne and the Goulburn Valley for on farm wheat.

Current markets have wheat priced at $220/mt Port kembla for APW which is a little way off grower targets which are $210 on farm for he higher grades.

New crop prices are slightly better than old crop prices with APW at around $230/mt Pt kembla and Melbourne Port.

We don’t expect to see anyone locking in tonnes this early in the piece but it is encouraging for growers to see these higher prices for their new season grain.

Canola trading is steady of late with local targets generally $400 silo, although we have seen some growers selling lately, not necessarily because targets have been met, but because of the need for some cash flow, with fertilizer fees etc due.

Very popular with growers in southern NSW and Vic is our delivered Footscray prices which also sees a premium provided.

Speaking to growers and agronomists around the traps it seems that most will stick to what they did last year, with perhaps a slight move away from canola in some of the marginal regions. T

his will not be a great loss to canola hectares but will most likely be replaced with lupins, field peas, milling oats and chickpeas.

Hectare based contracts are very attractive to growers and we can once again this year offer them for our specialty canola, High-Oleic which also includes a premium for production.

For more information of any of the above please contact your local AGA office, and best of luck for the up coming season!