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WEATHER TRENDS

Key weather statistics to the current date

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  • 20% decline in annual rainfall (-73mm)

  • 22% decline in GSR (-67mm)

  • 21% decline (9.28mm) in the average monthly GSR 44.28mm to 35.0mm

  • Pre 1990 drought 1 year in 10

  • Historically droughts followed by consecutive average/wetter years

  • Post-1990 drought 1 year in 3

  • Since 1990, droughts followed by dry or another drought

  • Average or wet years occur 1 year in 10

  • “Break” occurs ≈ 28 May, NOT ANZAC day

  •  ≈ 50% increase in the length of the Frost season. On average 147 days from the first frost to last (0°C or below). The first frost occurs around the 27 May. Latest frost 4th November

  • Since 2014, temperatures of ≥ 32°C are still being recorded in April. The first days of temperatures ≥ 32°C are being recorded in October.

Weather Graph2.PNG
Weather Graphics.PNG

So, in consideration of Climate Change and the changing weather conditions…

 

  • The cost of growing crops is too high in proportion to risk

  • With increased variability no guarantee of grain quantity or quality

  • Growing Season has effectively shortened, 3-6 weeks

  • To Reduce RISK - change cropping/sheep ratio (60/40 to 30/70)

  • Grow more grass – eat weeds, reduce chemical resistance & frost problems

  • Breeding objectives - Select animals that are better suited to conditions

Rainfall Graph.PNG
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