By Aaron Bunch

Paddocks across Australia have burst into colour, with brilliant fields of golden canola stretching as far as the eye can see.

The stunning scene as the crop blooms is a welcome sight for hardworking farmer Max O’Connor on his family’s 20,000-acre property near Harden in NSW.

“The crops look really impressive,” the Oxton Park cropping manager told AAP.

“I’m always in awe when the paddocks bloom.

“It’s pretty awesome to see.”

Although optimistic about the growing season, Mr O’Connor said there was still plenty that could go wrong before the canola crop is harvested in November.

“There’s no massive rain on the forecast at the moment, which is where it can be won and lost in the spring,” he said.

“Time will tell with how it all finishes up – a frost or a storm could bring us undone.”

Harvested for its oilseed, canola is Australia’s third most valuable grain crop overall, just behind wheat and barley.

Production spans across the southern half of the nation, with Western Australia and NSW typically leading state-level production volumes, followed by Victoria and South Australia.

Overall, Australia accounts for about seven per cent of total worldwide canola production, with about 80 per cent of the nation’s harvest exported.

Locally produced oilseed is used domestically and overseas for many purposes, including cooking oil, cosmetics and industrial lubricants.

It isn’t just about the profit.

Agronomist Benjamen Lenehan said canola plays an important role as a rotation crop.

t helps farmers control weeds and lowers the risk of disease in cereal crops, such as wheat.

“We just get the added bonus that it’s also an extremely pretty crop to look at as we get into the spring,” he said with a chuckle.

The rolling hills of bright yellow flowers set against the blue sky in a rural setting are also a drawcard for thousands of tourists looking for the perfect Instagram moment.

They bring valuable trade to otherwise sleepy towns, but not all farmers are happy about enthusiastic photo-hunters visiting their properties.

Some trample crops, and there is the risk they could also spread diseases and weeds from other areas.

Mr O’Connor doesn’t welcome them onto his land, but he’s also understanding of how alluring the dramatic landscape can be.

“I completely get it, it’s it’s very picturesque,” the fourth-generation farmer said.

“I’ve had my fair share of situations where I’ve had to ask people to leave.

“But if people are coming out to spend money and keep the pubs and the bakery and things like that open, then I’m all for it.”

News all day, every day at CityNewsQBN.com.au.