Weather woes affecting Mallee crops

[senorpepr]

A combination of high temperatures and windy conditions are having a significant impact on broadacre crops in South Australia's Mallee.

Field crop consultant Chris McDonough says yields could fall by up to 30 per cent in some parts of the region, as a result of recent hot weather drawing moisture from crops.

Mr McDonough says most of the region is under stress because of a lack of rain, but areas such as Waikerie and the Northern Mallee are struggling particularly in the current conditions.

"The crops up until this stage probably looked pretty good for the amount of rainfall we've had, but we've had very little subsoil moisture, we've had late sowing and then last week we had a really bad hot wind, and again this week with the hot weather it's very significantly drawing moisture from the crops," he said.

"A lot of the crops are starting to tip and yield reduction is certainly happening."