Crops across the western district have drawn on soil moisture to sustain their growth following average to low rainfall into August.

Mininera farmer Lewis Keller said his crops were looking good, but he would be happy for more rain.

“It’s ticking along pretty well at the moment, but it can keep raining,” he said.

“Crops are up and about, they look really good at the moment, we just need the rain to finish them. There’s a bit of stored moisture underneath, so that helps us.”

Mr Keller said he expected to begin harvest in mid-to-late November.

 “We’re flat-out putting fungicides out, and then we’ll roll into our desiccation sprays on our canolas, then windrowing after that,” he said. “Then we’re not far off harvesting, cutting hay and everything else.”

The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts a neutral outlook for September, with equal chance of above, below or near-average rainfall for most of Victoria, with a forecast for wetter weather until November.

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