Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics most recent crop report estimated Victoria's 2020-21 winter crop production to be the state's highest on record, up 27 per cent from the 2019-20 winter crops.

Victoria Farmers Federation vice president Brett Hosking said he was delighted with the state's performance.

"There have been some incredible yields, particularly around the Wimmera region and down into southern Victoria," he said.

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"It's a testament to the growers and the skill they're applying to grow crops down there."

The outlook for the season had not always appeared so optimistic.

Western Victoria farmer Peter Moore there had been times when it had seemed the crops' return would be far less than what it eventually was.

"Twice in our part of the country it actually got too dry for cereals before we got saving rains," he said.

"The crops seemed to have gone backwards, and then, in the end, we had a good spring.

"It would have been very different without that rain."

Mr Moore said after a few difficult years, farmers now had the chance to upgrade their equipment.

"It was a lot better than last year and definitely better than a couple of years ago. 2018 was also a pretty bad drought," he said.

"When you have good years, you can then start to look at things you need to start to improve on.

"Everyone's running around at the moment trying to get new machinery and that sort of thing."

Further south, Lake Bolac farmer George Burdett said he had enjoyed a similarly bountiful season.

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"It has been a good season. I think we've had the best canola yield in our harvest's lifetime," he said.

ABARES reported canola production reached a record high in Victoria, with a 46 per cent increase in production from 2019-20.

Mr Burdett said this was mainly due to "a frost-free spring and ample rainfall".

He also noted that others in the region had also been content with the season they had.

"It's been exactly the same for other farmers around here. All our neighbours are saying similar things."

Favourable conditions undoubtedly factored into the record winter crops.

However, Mr Hosking said the dedication of farmers and their willingness to innovate were also crucial.

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"The yield results highlight their ability to recognise opportunities and apply research in the paddock when they do get a favourable season," he said.

"For those guys who have had such a great season after so many years of drought, I think they will look back on this season quite fondly."

Mr Hosking said he believed Victoria's crops were in a good position going forth.

"We are in very good shape at the moment," he said.

"We've got a lot of optimism around our industry, and there has been a bit of summer rain around, which is good because it gives growers the ability to manage the weeds and help get their soil prepared for the growing season.

"It also gives them confidence knowing there will be some stored moisture in the soil, so they can take a few more risks in their planning and their cropping program than if they were facing a start with no moisture."

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