Growers in the Esperance port zone have delivered more than 50,000 tonnes of field peas, eclipsing the previous zone record of 45,000 tonnes in 2003. 

Department of Agriculture pulse researcher Mark Seymour said the record tonnage had been attributed to a slight increase in the area sown to field peas and a long soft finish to the year which resulted in higher than average yields.

“In 2005, many farmers averaged around 2 t/ha with individual paddocks above 2.5 t/ha and yield monitors showing parts of paddocks well over 3 t/ha,” Mr Seymour said.

“The soft finish to the year suited the new semi-leafless variety Kaspa, and many growers noted Kaspa yielded about 0.4 t/ha more than nearby Parafield crops. 

“Crops which yielded below 2 t/ha were mostly found in southern mallee areas where waterlogging in June and a late flush of blackspot in September reduced yield. 

“Similarly we have noted farmers who sowed in early to mid May in medium rainfall areas usually had 0.4 – 0.6 t/ha lower yielding crops than neighbours who delayed sowing and avoided the worst of the blackspot showers.”

It was not all good news though with most farmers in the Lakes district losing at least one paddock to frost.  Where frost did not occur yields were above average.  Earlier in the year the Pulse Association of the South East negotiated with CBH to allow farmers to be able to deliver to Lake King, and despite the vagaries of frost the bin has been well patronised with 6,700 tonnes currently delivered and many growers still to harvest their peas.

“The soft finish to the year suited the new semi-leafless variety Kaspa not only in the south of the State but also in the central and northern regions.  Yields greater than 2.0 t/ha were common,” said pulse extension officer Ian Pritchard, commenting on other parts of the state.

Farmers in the low rainfall regions are reminded even though Kaspa performed well in 2005, varieties such as Dunwa and Helena are better suited to short season environments.”