Optimistic Outlook for Rain

JUNE 27, 2018

Farmers in eastern Australia are hopeful for the forecast rain that is predicted over the coming week, with an unseasonal trough expected to bring widespread rain to many drought affected areas. The dry summer and autumn have added to the many paddocks that remain in fallow where some farmers opted not to sow winter crops, while others have had to sow much deeper than anticipated. Some areas that have been lucky enough to receive rainfall during the past few months have been able to get the crop out of the ground, but follow up rain is necessary.

Regardless of the optimistic outlook forecasters have for the next week, farmers are being forced to look at their business operations from a different perspective with limited remaining pasture, increasing grain prices, declining hay reserves and associated freight costs. The Land reported this week that “the reality is setting in the current grain shortages are now expected to extend well into the 2019 calendar year, meaning farmers need to make on farm decisions now due to the predicted shortage well into next year.

Nonetheless, “farmers are hoping they may see the first meaningful rain in months and that this will be enough for one last-ditch effort plant grain and pasture crops to help ease the pain on what’s shaping up to be a difficult season.”

Source: The Land, Last-ditch rain chance for northern farmers, LLOYD GEORGE, 26 Jun 2018. Link: https://www.theland.com.au/story/5490463/grain-update-last-ditch-rain-chance-for-northern-farmers/?cs=4941