These are small properties with equity slipping below 70 percent as a result of two adverse seasons The Seasonal Solutions Hotline report confirms that there are a number of farmers in the Northern Agricultural Region in financial trouble. Fifty seven percent are from the areas which experienced adverse dry conditions last year and the remainder reflect problems in the higher rainfall parts due to flooding in 1999 and small farm size and related structural issues. Hand feeding of stock has been occurring for four weeks, which has had an impact on the weed problem because the sheep were keeping weeds down. On the other hand farmers selling are getting good prices. Despite the poor finish to the season, the clover base was considered adequate to form a good pasture this year.
Water supplies are adequate.
Sheep are in good condition. Plans for this coming year are similar to those of last year. Some farmers will be planting more barley than wheat because of the superior stubble value of barley. Despite the increase in fertiliser prices, rates of fertiliser were going to remain the same as in 2000. Survey of volunteer wheat crops throughout the Eastern Wheat did not detect wheat stem or leaf rust Instar 1-2 locusts are being reported throughout the Eastern Wheat Belt.