Victoria's bumper northern crops hit by 30% input cost surge
North Victoria's input costs rise 30 per cent despite good harvests, while southern yields fall 50 per cent.
Victoria's agricultural regions are splitting in two this spring. Northern croppers around Rochester have had the best season in years.
Late February rain and solid follow-up falls delivered above-average silage and oat yields tracking towards 10 tonnes a hectare. Input costs for northern crops rise up to 30 per cent due to higher fertiliser use and extra fungicide treatments to protect good growth.
South-west contractors report silage yields at up to half of last year's levels. One farmer cut only five round bales per acre instead of eight or nine.
Beef producers are cutting herds early and facing a water crisis. Dams sit at just 5 to 10 per cent capacity.
Groundwater bores hit only clay at 162 metres. Some farmers are thinking about pumping water 3 kilometres uphill from the Wannon River.
- 10 tonnes per hectare
- Northern yield target
- Up to 30 per cent
- Input cost rise
- Up to 50 per cent
- Southern yield drop
- 5 to 10 per cent
- Dam capacity level
Why it mattersNorthern growers' profits are being wiped out by soaring costs even as yields boom. Southern farmers must cut herds and invest in costly water systems to survive summer.
AustraliaThe divide threatens milk, beef and grain supplies across Victoria; consumers may face pressure on dairy and meat prices if southern production contracts significantly.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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