Every season is different. We adapt to the conditions, make the most of every opportunity and keep looking for ways to improve
A Year on The Farm
Farming at Catalina Farms follows the seasons. Throughout the year, our team moves through the different stages of the cropping cycle — from paddock preparation and seeding, through to crop care and harvest.
While the timing of each season is shaped by the weather, seeding and harvest are our busiest times of year, with plenty happening in between to keep our crops and farming operation on track.
Preparing the Paddock
Ahead of seeding, we prepare our paddocks for the season ahead. This includes managing stubble, controlling summer weeds and conserving valuable soil moisture to provide the best possible conditions for establishing the new crop
Soil Amelioration
Improving our soils is an important part of our long-term cropping program. We use deep ripping to address soil compaction and improve root growth, while limesand is applied to manage soil acidity and maintain productive soils. Together, these practices help create better growing conditions and improve the ability of our crops to access moisture and nutrients.
Seeding
Seeding is one of the busiest and most important times of our farming year, beginning in mid-April each year. We sow wheat, canola and lupins, with careful planning around crop rotations, variety selection, soil conditions and nutrition to give each crop the best possible start.
Crop Nutrition
Crop nutrition continues throughout the growing season, with nitrogen fertiliser applied according to crop requirements and seasonal conditions. Applications are carefully timed to support crop growth and make the most of the season’s yield potential.
Crop Protection
Throughout the growing season, we carefully monitor our crops and use herbicides, insecticides and fungicides as required to manage weeds, pests and disease. Applications are timed according to crop development and seasonal conditions, with aerial application used when required later in the season.
Harvest
Harvest begins in October and continues through November and December, marking the culmination of our cropping year. Our modern harvesting equipment is supported by chaser bins and field bins, allowing us to efficiently harvest and transport grain across the farm. Once harvested, grain is delivered to our own storage facilities, local grain receival sites or directly to mills