Improved climate and weather information is being made available to farmers as a result of a joint project between the Bureau of Meteorology and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).
Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, David Littleproud said the new weather and climate guides would give valuable information to all 56 Natural Resource Management regions.
“The Bureau has a wealth of information farmers need and this will put it in their hands,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Reliable climate information helps farmers make the best decisions they can to manage risks.”
He said the guides would help farmers better understand temperature and rainfall ranges, frost risk, the onset and length of wet seasons, water storage levels and the likelihood and severity of drought, natural disasters and cold snaps.
“This will mean farmers won’t have to rely on guesswork to make decisions that affect their livelihoods,” Mr Littleproud said.
“This is particularly important during a drought like the one we’re currently going through.
“The Bureau will start off trialling the service online and taking feedback from farmers to make sure it hits the mark.”
He said the new service was expected to be up and running early next year.
“These guides are part of the Government’s ongoing and long-term drought response that covers a range of areas, including immediate financial assistance and building resilience and preparedness in rural and regional communities,” the Minister said.
