Dry seasons and drought

Long-term records show that our climate is becoming warmer and drier. This trend is expected to continue, with dry seasons likely to become more frequent over southern Western Australia.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development provides data and information on seasonal weather through its network of automatic weather stations and seasonal climate forecasts through the Statistical Climate Information system.

In dry years, the department provides information to assist growers and agribusiness to manage seasonal conditions and their consequences.

Articles

Season 2023: information for WA farmers

8 May 2018

The Season 2023 webpage contains seasonally relevant information and management options in the broadacre agricultural areas of Western Australia.
Future Drought Fund

29 June 2021

Across Australia, $100 million will be invested annually in projects to strengthen drought resilience. These projects will:
Climate Resilience

23 December 2021

Climate change is a pressing global issue that creates both challenges and opportunities for Western Australia.
Climate trends in Western Australia

11 March 2016

Western Australia's climate has changed over the last century, particularly over the last 50 years. Average temperature has risen about 1°C.
Regional Counselling Services

30 October 2019

2019 has been a difficult season for many throughout Western Australia with variable rainfall impacting on production and profitability.
Managing sheep in a dry spring

4 August 2017

This page provides the presentations from the ''Managing sheep in dry spring: for agribusiness professionals" event held in Kojonup, Geraldton and Perth in 2017.
Grazing in native vegetation and revegetation on farms – Western Australia

20 July 2017

Grazing or feeding in native vegetation in the south-west of Western Australia should not be done except as a last resort.
Dry times in the rangelands

4 November 2013

DAFWA provides data and information on current season through its network of automatic weather stations and seasonal climate forecasts through the Statistical Climate Information system.
Farm biosecurity after a fire, flood or dry season

20 March 2018

Managing farm biosecurity following a fire, flood or dry season is a balance of caring for livestock and paddocks while limiting the introduction of new pests, diseases or weeds onto the property.
To hold or sell breeding cattle

5 September 2017

In a dry season where feed, water and finances are limited, culling the less productive animals as soon as possible is a good option.