AFTER years of drought-stricken misery visited upon many of the nation's farmers, mother nature has finally given canola growers such as Mark Bryant something to smile about.
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Soaking rains have delivered bumper winter crops to Australian farmers, with canola growers expected to produce 7per cent more volume - up to 2.3million tonnes - this year.
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences' latest edition of the Australian Crop Report forecasts the nation's winter crop production will total 41million tonnes in 2011-12.
Mr Bryant and wife Jude have 400ha of canola at Greenethorpe, near Young, and are hoping for another burst of rain in coming weeks.
''The crops are looking very good. They are where we would like them to be for a top-end yield,'' Mr Bryant said.
''We are a little bit worried because things are drying out a bit now.
''Spring is a bit of a nervous time for us. We would like more rain soon. But it looks fantastic at the moment.''
Deputy acting director of ABARES, Terry Sheales, said rainfall in August and early September in most cropping regions had provided a valuable boost to agricultural businesses.
''Consistent monthly winter rainfall of between 25-100ml was received across Western Australia's cropping regions, which is a stark turnaround from last season's dry conditions,'' Dr Sheales said.
South Australia, Victoria and NSW recorded average rainfall and crops in those areas appeared promising.
However, north-west NSW and south-west Queensland received below average rainfall.
In spite of the good rains, there is expected to be a 2per cent drop from the large harvest of last season. There is likely to be more rain in the season ahead, with the Weather Channel reporting a return of La Nina conditions this summer.
Senior meteorologist at the Weather Channel, Tom Saunders, said, ''Last year was one of the strongest La Ninas on record and subsequently Australia recorded its second wettest year since 1900.
''The last back-to-back event was from 1998 to 2000 which saw nearly a three year period of almost continuous La Nina conditions and well above average rain for most of Australia.
''Thankfully this event is unlikely to reach the same intensity and therefore we expect less rain and flooding.
''However, above average rain is now the most likely outcome through northern and eastern Australia during the next six months,'' Mr Saunders said.