Suddenly it was no longer possible to overplant to compensate for the death rate.

"If you overplant, some insect or disease is going to take advantage.

One big danger is that the Government might overreact to this year's drought and encourage farmers to overplant next year.

"Even the best-intentioned amateurs tend to overdo, to overplant - and in about two years you'll need a machete to get in the front door."

The other risk is that the Federal Government, fearful of shortages, might encourage farmers to overplant, leading to a grain glut if the weather is good and the harvest is bountiful.