Australia: Rain at harvest dashes hopes for record mungbean crop

The mungbean harvest in Queensland and New South Wales is well advanced, and presenting a mixed bag across key growing regions. In southern Queensland, consecutive rain events in late March and early April have reduced mungbean yields and quality. However, some crops harvested before or between the falls have exceeded processor expectations. Northern NSW crops were hit by one rain event earlier this month, with quality less impacted, and solid yields of 1.5-2 tonnes per hectare expected. After a run of fine weather, the Central Qld harvest is almost complete, with average yields and good quality. Parts of southern Qld are five to six weeks into the mungbean harvest. Pulse Australia northern extension agronomist Paul McIntosh said the two weather events in recent weeks had a significant impact on crops. Southern Qld cropping regions recorded falls up to 200mm for the week ending April 11, according to ABARES Weekly Australian Climate, Water and Agricultural Update. These totals ...