Water holders’ entitlements have been boosted even as farmers face drier conditions ahead.
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Resources Manager Northern Victoria Mark Bailey is upping seasonal determinations for how much those entitled to water can draw on, saying storages are higher than what was predicted for the past fortnight.
It is good news for those relying on the Loddon system system, where high-reliability water share determinations have been bumped from 56 per cent of entitlements to 70 per cent, with those in the Murray, Goulburn and Broken systems also getting more.
The Campaspe’s determinations remain at 100 per cent.
Despite more water becoming available, Dr Bailey said climate outlooks still favour drier conditions.
"The latest Bureau of Meteorology seasonal outlook indicates below-average rainfall is more likely across all of northern Victoria during the October to December period," he said.
Those who need spring rains to finish crops are dealing with a tough season.
Last week, the federal Department of Agriculture and Water Resources predicted winter crop production will drop by 12 per cent nationally to 33.2 million tonnes.
The damage will be most keenly felt in New South Wales and Queensland. Parts of Victoria will also likely find the going tough.
In the Elmore area, Landmark agronomist Greg Toomey said many growers were planning so they can deal with less rain.
Some are now considering cutting canola crops for hay or silage, while others across the northern Wimmera and southern Mallee are dealing with reduced grain yields.
Mr Toomey predicted spring rains in the Elmore area would be half of what fell last year.
Despite anticipated dry conditions in New South Wales and Queensland, Mr Toomey said much of the hay that will be harvested in the area will stay in the state.
That is because hay affected by dry conditions is generally higher quality. Mr Toomey said Victorian dairy farmers will be keen to get their hands on it. Local sheep and other cattle producers could show an interest too, as well as exporters.
“When it comes to carting hay to NSW there is a big cost to get it there. So if farmers up there can source it out of southern NSW or the state’s east they will,” he said.