BUSINESSES around the region are set to benefit from what has been a successful harvest for central Victoria.
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Farmers have reported average to above average yields, as harvest draws to a close for many growers around the area.
Geoff Elliott has been stripping up to 5000 tonnes of grain a day from his Strathallan and Rochester properties.
The irrigated wheat crop in Strathallan was yielding seven tonnes a hectare on Thursday.
“That is excellent,” he said. “It’s really good land and shows the versatility of the irrigation.”
Mr Elliott said heavy stubble was a sign of the bumper crop.
“The chaser bin doesn’t get much time to stop, especially when the crops are looking like that.
“It’s the reward from a year’s work. It’s very satisfying.”
McCullochs Hydraulic Engineers owner Ron McCulloch said a good harvest had flow-on effects for the entire region.
“I think the whole of Bendigo benefits from a good harvest,” he said.
“They may not know it but they do.
“Farmers that have a good crop inject more money into the local community.
“They buy new items and generally it’s good for Bendigo.”
Boort farmer Richard Knight said good grain prices had made up for a slightly below-average wheat yield.
He agreed small towns such as Boort prospered when harvest went well.
“It lifts everyone’s morale when there are good yields and good prices.”
He said farmers were more inclined to repair or upgrade machinery after a good season.
Mr McCulloch said it was time farmers cashed in after recent seasons had been impacted by difficult weather conditions.
“They’re probably catching up on some dreadful seasons,” he said.
“It’s been quite a good season so I believe everyone is smiling.”