Season 2024: information for WA farmers

Livestock and crops

• Livestock management provides information on sheep, cattle and pasture management to assist decision-making. 
• Cattle producers and small landholders affected by dry season conditions are urged to regularly monitor their herds and take action early to ensure the condition and welfare of animals. See Southern beef - dry season management.
• Pastoralists - refer to Dealing with a dry year in the southern rangelands of WA for information and management resources.
• Crops that had progressed well on August rainfall would benefit from a finishing rain as soil moisture stores are depleting, which may impact potential yields. See Crops section for seasonal management resources. 

Climate and water

• If you think you are likely to become water deficient within the next 4 weeks, discuss your situation with your Local Government Authority (LGA), or contact the DWER rural water planning team on 1800 780 300, ruralwater@dwer.wa.gov.au or visit DWER’s Rural water planning webpage.
• Where on-farm and strategic community water resources are not available, stock water can be obtained from regional Shire fixed standpipes. Refer to Water Corporation information and standpipe maps for Great Southern and South West.
• The dry start to the growing season for eastern and southern grainbelt areas means above median rain is needed for the rest of the season to make the historical average growing season rain. See Rainfall to date tool.
• The rainfall outlook for October to December shows neutral to drier rain chances . The pattern of above normal temperatures continues through spring, with chances of unusually high daytime temperatures being elevated in most parts. See the Bureau’s seasonal outlook video for details and check monthly updates to the Seasonal Climate Outlook.

Funding and support

Funding and support services information and contacts are available to assist people in rural WA areas. 

Seasonal management information

• Livestock
• Animal welfare
• Crops
• Soil
• Water
• Small landholders  

Funding and support services

Support services available to assist rural people in stressful situations can be found on WA's rural support services webpage and directory. These include: 

• Regional Men’s Health Initiative
• Rural Aid
• Lifeline
• Beyond Blue
• Rural West financial counselling service.

For resources and information on grants and funding available to assist growers, pastoralists and industry, please refer to the Funding and support information.

Contacts