Well I hope it's rained by the time you receive this newsletter!

The Eastern Wheatbelt region is set to plant 530,000 mallee seedlings on 69 farms at an average of 7,700 per farmer.

It's in times of difficulty that you stand back and evaluate what one is doing (well I do anyway!). Taking into account the recent seasonal conditions and their impact on farming and rural economies makes me wonder if what we are growing (conventional crops) is suitable for this region.

Pressure needs to be placed on governments to develop new cropping systems for the flailing wheatbelt. What could be more suitable than Oil Mallees? Once past the year of planting, these native and in most cases, local species, can handle drought and frost, as well as having a positive effect on rising water tables. They also have the ability to supply renewable "green energy" which is becoming such a hot issue.

What is wrong with us? We spend more energy “knocking” than “doing”, seems to be the way of the world! Adverse conditions are when you must tighten your belts and try and work out what's not going right, and why.

I urge all growers to dig deep and do whatever’s necessary to plant their seedlings. Who knows, this year may make certain parties aware of the inherent problems of wheatbelt cropping systems.