12 IREC Farmers' Newsletter No. 199 — Autumn 2018 Conditions in the 2017 rice season were favourable for lodging, with a cool start and then hot temperatures later on. Growing the more lodging-susceptible variety, YRM70, Chris was concerned. At harvest, there was 30% lodging in the crop however it was more severe on the top of beds than in the furrows, so the harvester was able to pick up the crop more easily than expected. Keys to success The double cropping system requires excellent management, attention to detail and a little bit of cooperation from the weather. Additionally, Chris identified two factors that are critical for the system to work for their farm business: l  owning the right machinery — there is such a tight window for sowing the next crop that the required machinery needs to be ready and waiting to use l  getting the layout right — ponding from poor drainage in a poor layout will compound a range of preparation and sowing issues in a tight rotation. Further information Leah Garnett M: 0455 558 035 E: [email protected] W: www.riceextension.org.au January 2017: Short season YRM70, sown in late November after oats were harvested, achieved a good canopy prior to panicle initiation. July 2017: A specialty barley variety was sown in May 2017, which established well and yielded 2.5 t/ha. November 2017: Barley was harvested on 29 November and YRM70 was direct drilled into burnt stubble on 30 November.