Farmers in NSW are preparing for El Nino as extreme weather is predicted to wreak havoc on their crop production and livestock during summer.
The Bureau of Meteorology reported Australia’s 10th-driest September on record, with the nation’s monthly rainfall over 70 per cent below average.
Low rainfall has forced some farmers to downgrade their crops and reduce their livestock capacity while increasing their animal’s supplementary feeding.
Farmer Jack Ryan, who works in the NSW South Western Slopes, said he was anxious about the impending drought and the consequences it could have for his farm.
“It’s almost time to make a decision about how much stock I’m able to keep on,” Mr Ryan said.
I have access to a bore and a river on my property, it just comes down to feeding and how well my crops go, if they can even be harvested.”
The repercussions for farmers are expected to create problems for other sectors in the agriculture industry too.
Tom Corkhill, who runs an agricultural merchandise business in Boorowa, said he is already starting to feel the effects of El Nino.
“Farmers are already starting to tighten their belts, not spending money that may be very important in the upcoming drought,” Mr Corkhill said.
They are still purchasing the essentials to continue managing their properties, they just aren’t indulging in other areas like fencing supplies or other upgraded purchases that they can go without until the markets pick back up.”
Station manager Aaron Seamen is also concerned about the economic consequences. He said the markets have been excelling recently. But he said farmers are starting to prepare for the summer conditions which is disrupting usual trade.
“Many properties are reducing their number of livestock which is placing a strain on the market and lowering the average price across the board,” Mr Seaman said.
“Now comes a difficult decision for many farmers to either hold onto their stock that they want to sell in hope the market picks back up and they can make a better profit, or risk it and send them to the sale yards and deal with the outcome.”
The hot and dry weather is expected to continue in Australia well into next year.
