As the smoke from the recent throng of bushfires circulates the globe, and the dust settles following another reasonable dust, incredibly there is a bit of rain about. Proof that it can and does still rain. We've got a bit of a start but more locally and in catchments would be greatly beneficial, but a change in pattern is better than no change.
This season’s small rice crop in the Mirrool branch area has certainly faced significant challenges with cool and awfully bloody windy establishment conditions early on. Therein followed a lengthy burst of mid 40s temps over the Christmas period and into January that had the crop more confused than a drunk footy fan entering a gender neutral toilet block. A few cold nights over microspore had those who rolled the dice this season shifting uncomfortably in their seats. Temperature data has highlighted that between 4 and 10 degrees daily minimums (depending on your location) throughout the 17 day microspore period was below the magical 15c. Those nights were followed by reasonably warm days, so with a little bit of luck not much damage will ensue. The end of the season is rapidly approaching and with Lady Luck being willing and able, we hope the risk/reward matrix will be in positive territory.
The water market continues to behave in a manner described at best as erratically, and with temporary prices now almost $400/meg below their season highs, the market has fallen steeply to the delight of those buying to finish off the season regardless of the industry. The trend is also sending water barons, corporates, speculators and metropolitan mum and dad investors scurrying for cover in scenes not witnessed since the Battle of Britain. One thing is for sure, the economics of need will continue to outwit rationality.
Minds basin wide will now be peering forwards into the foggy future trying to determine winter crop options and returns, with some in the north receiving double the rainfall in 2 weeks as they have in the past 12 months. Many Mirrool branch irrigators are buoyed with the prospect of planting a reasonable winter crop program with the promise of being able to bring the bastard home in the spring- by one way or another, be it an appropriately timed east coast low over the catchment or even divine intervention if necessary, that outcome will be expected.
Chris Morshead,
President Mirrool RGA Branch