On the Atherton Tablelands and in the Mareeba district, harvesting of the maize crop continued with some lodging from earlier in the season still evident. Early reports suggest overall yield is around average and quality might be up a little. This year's sugar harvest got under-way this month, with growers hoping for minimal weather interruptions in the hope that cane production to exceed that of last year. Some growers that took the chance to plant into a dry seedbed and wait for rain to germinate the crop have been lucky enough to get a crop established in most cases. However, significant in crop rain will be required to see these crops through to maturity.
Wheat is the only option for planting now as it is considered to late for chickpeas.
In a few cases paddocks will be fallowed till spring rather than planting a late crop and risking rain at harvest. Despite forecast low returns there will probably be a significant spring sorghum crop if good rain falls in August or September. Most crops were planted on a closing window of opportunity with minimal moisture. Some follow up rain has been received but the crops will need continual rainfall throughout the growing season to reach full potential due to lack of sub-soil moisture. In the Gayndah district there have been excellent conditions for the citrus harvest.