As the long, record hot and extremely dry summer drags on and on heatwave after heatwave landholders are searching the weather forecasts for some signs of a seasonal break.
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Unfortunately the latest prediction from the Bureau of Meteorology is not that optimistic with February likely to be drier for southern and central Queensland and northern NSW.
February to April rainfall is likely to be below average for parts of eastern and central Australia.
Pastures and crops are feeling the affects of the long dry spell and so are on-farm water storages.
Even districts such as Bellingen and Dorrigo noted for their high rainfall averages and lush pastures are doing poorly with Bellingen currently on level three water restrictions and possibly facing a first ever level four status unless some worthwhile rain arrives soon.
The predictable weather may only be a bonus to hay producers but even they would like some rain to lessen the reliance on irrigation and its associated costs.
Louise Nichols
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
