Wealth of information available to navigate Season 2019
Below-average rainfall across the majority of the grainbelt is creating challenges for grains and livestock producers, particularly on the South Coast and in adjacent Lakes and Great Southern districts.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has been monitoring the situation for several months and liaising with grower groups and shires to provide relevant, timely advice and support.
The department’s Season 2019 webpage harnesses a wealth of information to assist landholders to help navigate the season, which is reviewed and updated regularly.
Season forecast and cropping
The department’s Statistical Seasonal Forecast (SSF) and the Bureau of Meteorology’s outlooks for the next three months have overall predictions for a drier than normal season, with some variables for different regions.
The SSF indicates the chances of exceeding median rainfall between May and July is less than average (40%) in the northern and southern grainbelt, more favourable (60%) in the far eastern areas and the shires of Ravensthorpe and Esperance, and neutral (40-60%) elsewhere.
The SSF’s longer term outlook for May to October is similar, suggesting the 2019 growing season is likely to be similar to last year’s for many districts.
The department’s plant available soil water maps show stored soil moisture levels are extremely low across much of the grainbelt, except for parts of the south coast.
Growers across the grainbelt are modifying their programs in response to these conditions and reviewing fertiliser strategies in line with weather forecasts.
The department has a range of climate and weather tools and live weather data to assist landholders’ crop management tactics, in addition to the resources on its Season 2019 webpage.
The website includes links to land management resources to assist landholders implement strategies to minimise the risk of soil erosion.
Water management
On-farm water supplies in some south-eastern districts have become tight, and landholders have been carting water for livestock.
In May, the State Government announced Water Deficiency Declarations for Mount Short in the Shire of Ravensthorpe, and the Mallee Hill area in the Shire of Lake Grace.
The declaration enables the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) to cart water to strategic locations to reduce the distance local farmers have to travel to source emergency water for their livestock.
The Water Corporation has reminded farm businesses that standpipes are primarily available for stock water to prevent animal welfare issues but local governments do have several high-flow standpipes available to access larger volumes of spray water.
The Commonwealth’s On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme has been extended to eligible commercial livestock farmers and pastoralists in Western Australia.
The Commonwealth and State governments are working together to deliver $4.6 million for on-farm water infrastructure for livestock – such as tanks and troughs, pipes, fittings and pumps associated with water distribution systems, new bores, and the desilting of dams by a contractor.
The rebate is for 25% up to a maximum of $25,000 for the purchase, delivery and installation of new water infrastructure to address animal welfare needs and improve resilience to drought.
DPIRD reminds landholders with low water supplies to ensure the quality of the water used for spraying does not compromise crop performance.
The Season 2019 webpage has a link to an article on Water Quality for Spraying that details factors affecting chemical performance and possible remedies.
Livestock management
Feed budgeting has become imperative for livestock producers to optimise pastures, limited by the seasonal conditions.
Producers are encouraged to regularly review the Pastures from Space maps of feed on offer and pasture growth rates, available for free from the department’s Season 2019 webpage.
The maps are a valuable tool to help producers manage and plan their stock’s supplementary feeding regime, which could be protracted if dry conditions persist.
Sheep producers have also been urged to review their flock marketing and management strategies, in light of the Commonwealth’s confirmation of a pause in live exports to the Middle East from June to August, inclusive.
The department’s Live Export Sheep webpage lists a number of options, considerations and feed requirements to assist producers and consultants to make informed decisions.
The Season 2019 webpage also has links to assist decision making, including a Feed Cost Calculator and supplementary feeding articles.
R U OK?
The Season 2019 webpage includes links to social support services, including the Rural Financial Counselling Service WA, Beyond Blue Support Service and the Virtual Psychologist.
Department staff at offices located throughout the State are also available to talk to about livestock, cropping and land management strategies throughout the season.