Farmers across central Victoria were dealt a cruel blow over the weekend when crops failing from a hot and dry spring were lashed by heavy rain and hail. 

But Victorian Farmers’ Federation president Peter Tuohey said growers were more concerned about storm clouds on the horizon. 

“We had hail ranging from marble sized to golf sized – it’s certainly done damage,” he said. 

“I’ve heard reports of 30 percent damage and worse to some crops... hopeful those farmers have crops insured. 

“That is a huge concern but the rain which could be coming is an even bigger concern.”

SES received 230 requests for assistance state-wide due to storms over the weekend with 27 coming from the Loddon Mallee region. Four were from Leitchville and two Rochester, with the rest spread out across the region. 

An SES spokesperson said the majority were for downed trees and minor property damage. 

Mr Tuohey – whose farm is located between Pyramid Hill and Echuca – said the storms cut a swathe across the central north of the state.

“There was a fairly long band of hail, heavy wind and rain through this area from Coomboona right through other side between Mitiamo and Dingee,” he said. 

“We saw between 12 millimetres and 25ml on Saturday and Sunday, depending in which part your farm was in,” he said.

“But for most farmers, the biggest concern is the rain coming – they’re talking between 30ml and 50ml on Wednesday and Thursday.”

Mr Tuohey said many farmers had started harvest weeks early or had decided to bale crops for hay because the lack of rain.

“Another big deluge would downgrade the crops that aren’t all that flash anyway and will make harvest difficult,” he said. 

“It’s really the finishing touch on a tough season for many farmers… nature hasn't been very kind to us this year.”

Charlton farmer Matt McGurk and his father Trevor recently made the decision to bale more than 400 hectares of cereal crops for hay. 

“We didn't have much rain – about half a ml on Wednesday – it’s hard to know whether we were fortunate or unfortunate,” he said.

“It’s too late for the rain to impact on crops which we haven’t cut for hay and the moisture just downgrades the quality of hay.

“It just adds insult to injury when you get water damage on hay.”

Mr McGurk said rain meant farmers had to turn and and rake bales of hay to prevent mould and minimise damage – meaning further work and delays to the harvest. He said he expected to have his hay in the shed by the end of the week, or the end of next week, depending on rain. 

Mr Touhey said while the rain could only damage ripened crops it would bring the benefits of topping up dams and water tanks.