Get the latest news to your email inbox FREE!

REGISTER

Get the latest news to your email inbox FREE!

REGISTER
Thursday, April 16, 2026
HomeRuralVater Machinery Season Break Competition called!

Vater Machinery Season Break Competition called!

I am going to call it, this years break is as dodgy as last years and I am calling it Sunday, June 8.

There are a few reasons as to why I am calling it. Balaklava, where I have based the call has received between 15 and 16mm throughout the the last few days, which puts it on the money.

The season has changed, heaters were switched on, crops are emerging, forecast has a winter feel now and, the “I may change my mind” clause has been activated again.

Weekly rainfall totals across the region varied according to the Mesonet network.

Here are a few tallies for the week up till Sunday:

– Balaklava 15mm

– Pinery 24mm

– Halbury 16mm

– Hamley Bridge 24mm

– Snowtown 6mm

– Spalding 10mm

– Jamestown 24mm

– Caltowie 33mm

– Mundoora 12mm

– Nantawarra 6mm

– Auburn 24mm

– Farrell Flat 19mm

– Clare 21mm

– Hilltown 17mm

– Roseworthy 17mm

– Pinkerton Plains 23mm

– Saddleworth 23mm

– Mintaro 18mm

– Warnertown 34mm

– Brinkworth 7mm

– Yacka 8mm

– South Hummocks 13mm

Therefore this year’s winner of the Vater Machinery Season Break Competition is Dylan Wood of Owen, who chose June 7. As no one chose June 8 the “nearest the pin” rule applies. Congratulations Dylan, you can pick up your Vater Machinery prize pack from the Plains Producer office in Balaklava.

Time to root out gazinia daisies!

A La Trobe University study has found the invasive South African flower gazania is more resilient than previously understood, with its ability to adapt to different environments making it one of the biggest weed threats to Australian native grasslands and grain production.

This is an issue that South Australian Mallee farmers have been well aware of for some time, there are several herbicides that can tackle it along with cultivation.

It is an extremely hard weed to kill and it’s still available in some nurseries including Bunnings. If you find this weed/flower anywhere on a roadside or railway line kill it!

Do not let this flower follow the same path as the soursob, which caused massive crop losses only 40 years ago before a herbicide called roundup reduced its impact on farming country and crop yields. For goodness sake, do not buy this plant.

Digital Edition
Subscribe

Get an all ACCESS PASS to the News and your Digital Edition with an online subscription

Special nod to Roosters Mid North legend

A Mid North football icon was honoured by the North Adelaide Football Club, acknowledging an illustrious career on the field as well as off...

More News

NAFA President’s Message

As President of the Northern Areas Football Association, I am pleased to welcome players, officials, volunteers and supporters to the start of what promises...

Report highlights increased role of canola in biofuel future

A new report has highlighted the key role canola could play as a biofuel in future energy transition and fuel security for Australia. The report,...

APNA President’s Message

Welcome to season 2026, it doesn’t feel that long ago that we were celebrating the end of season 2025! We have had a few...

Bring on the 2026 season

Well, it’s a late start to the season, 18 April is Round One. There has been “no rest” for the board, still meeting monthly and...

Recovered Tigers ready to sink teeth into new season

After injuries impacted their season last year, United are fit and roaring to start 2026 on a high note, as the team aims for...

Demons aiming for improvement

There’s no doubt the South Clare Demons will be aiming for a big improvement in this 2026 season after their performance last year. The A...

Stolen car dumped at Lochiel

Police are seeking assistance from the public after a stolen Kia SUV was dumped in Lochiel on the morning of 14 April. Just after...

Ag Town nominations open

The search is now on for this year’s Agricultural Town (Ag Town) of the Year, with rural communities across the state set to square...

New exercise group starts in Mallala

Mallala locals are helping community members get fit and healthy with a new exercise group starting in the town. With the help of Terry Halford,...

Rams bolstered by new recruits

The Burra/Booborowie/Hallett Rams will be bolstered for this 2026 season following their vigorous recruiting campaign over the summer. The Rams A Grade and the Under...