THE Merredin area has seen some heavy rains since the start of the year, with local farmer Mick Caughey, pictured with daughter Eliza, son Digby and dog Rosie, receiving more than 180 millimetres since January.
For Mick and wife Kate, who farm near Merredin and Nokaning, the large rainfall has produced a positive start to the season.
"The early rains we had this year meant we had to get organised and get into it quickly," Mick said.
"We probably started about a week earlier than we normally would."
Mick and Kate will sow about 5300 hectares of mostly wheat and barley, along with a small amount of oats.
"We did a summer spray one and a half times this year, with the heavy rains," Mick said.
"And we are in the process of a double-knock through most of our crop, which is providing good weed kill."
Mick, who is nearing the end of his seeding program, said the on-going soil moisture built his confidence in the season ahead.
"We are happy with the start of the season," he said.
"It's been one of the best starts we've had in a long time."
