Agriculture Victoria seasonal risk agronomist Dale Grey said although the traditional crop sowing starting date of Anzac Day had passed, it was not the first time there was a late start to the season in the past four years.
“We’re just ending the first week of May. Probably about half of the crop across the north is in the ground now,” Mr Grey said.
“I think some people are holding out.”
He said one of the issues farmers will be considering is whether to switch from canola to something like barley.
“A late break is not a big problem; it’s more critical what happens in spring.”
The rain outlook for the next few months is for average falls.
The Bureau of Meteorology says the forecast for May to July is for temperatures to be above median for most of Australia and there is roughly an equal chance of above or below median rainfall.
Rainfall will likely be below median for small areas of the southern mainland and parts of the north.
Shepparton recorded only 28mm of rain for April, which is slightly less than the average.
Echuca had 27mm, Yarrawonga 23mm, Benalla 29mm, Mangalore 50mm, Deniliquin 17mm and Kerang 25mm.
The bureau is forecasting the possibility of light showers at the end of this week in northern Victoria.
Meanwhile, major Goulburn and Murray water storages are at a high level. Lake Eildon is holding 90 per cent and Dartmouth is at 94 per cent.
Goulburn-Murray Water is forecasting seasonal allocations for 2024-25 will open around 100 per cent if average inflows are achieved.
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