Victorian farmers are cutting their crops for hay as the drought continues to bite across south-east Australia.

It's been a terribly dry spring so far in many places, defying the long-term weather forecast that predicted favourable warm and wet conditions .

The lack of rain has reduced the chance of good grain yields and many farmers are cutting their losses and making hay.

In some grain-growing regions, like the Victorian Mallee, the die has already been cast.

Mick Foott has cut 350 hectares of barley and wheat respectively, and is keeping a close eye on the rest of his crops.

"They’re hitting the wall big time," Mr Foott said.

"The barley was just not filling the head and wasn’t going to come to anything.

"At least if we cut if for hay, we'll get something,"

he said.

Mr Foott

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