Hopes rise for wet season
The forecast for higher rainfall because of the La Nina weather pattern has put a spring in the step of farmers and graziers across the region, with stock agents reporting a boost to morale – and hopefully farm incomes.
Managing Partner at Nutrien Walsh Hughes Greg Seiler said that weather predictions were encouraging and meant farmers could move forward with planning and production after years of tough, dry seasons.
“At the moment, people have had quite good lambings, but with all the lambs around the district we are not quite certain about prices or percentages yet, but certainly the numbers are looking encouraging,” he said.
“It’s given people confidence to continue to re-stock lightly, and to make something of the lambs that are hitting the ground now.
“Eighty per cent of the Bourke district are merino sheep operators, so a good lambing season will do a lot for confidence,” he said.
Weather forecasts for the next few months indicate enough widespread rain to make up for the shortfall of the past several years of drought in some areas.
The Federal Budget also announced more funding options for farmers to install or upgrade water infrastructure on their properties, which will see more security and preparedness in the farming sector when La Nina expires and there is an inevitable return to dry conditions.
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