Winter crops struggle without rain

17 Aug 2017

Wheat crop at Garah

A record dry July has put pressure on struggling winter crops and the prospects for summer crops in some areas across the state.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Seasonal Conditions Coordinator Ian McGowen said July was another record-breaking month with some areas of eastern and central NSW experiencing the driest July for 20 years, or the driest on record.

“During July rainfall was below average across 71 per cent of the state,” Mr McGowen said.

“Most of NSW received between 1-25 mm for the month.

“The best falls occurred in the south, particularly in the alpine areas, and extended into the eastern and central Riverina.

“Pasture growth remained limited across much of inland NSW due to the lack of topsoil moisture, heavy frosts and grazing pressure.

“During July, topsoil moisture declined across much of NSW, particularly across the coast, northern tablelands, western, north western and central NSW. However, topsoil moisture did improve across areas of the eastern and central Riverina and the far south.”

Mr McGowen said limited rainfall in July saw winter crop prospects continue to decline, particularly in areas of the central west and western Riverina. Growers in these regions commenced grazing out struggling cereal crops.

“Across the central and eastern Riverina, and some areas of the north-west, southern tablelands and southern central west, July rainfall was sufficient to maintain crop growth and yield potential, particularly for the crops sown in late April and early May,” Mr McGowen said.

“Prospects in many areas improved with follow-up rainfall in early August, but crops are reliant on good rainfall during August to maintain current yield potential.

“Prospects for summer cropping in northern NSW continue to decline, with many areas of the north-west having limited subsoil moisture reserves. Areas not sown to winter crops this year will require significant rainfall to allow a summer crop to be sown.”

The Bureau of Meteorology’s rainfall outlook for August indicates drier than normal conditions are likely across much of western, central, southern NSW and areas of the south east.

Daytime and overnight temperatures are likely to be warmer than normal across NSW.

These outlooks have been influenced by warmer than normal sea surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean, the prospect of high atmospheric pressure and the possibility of a positive Southern Annular Mode. These contribute to the likelihood of decreased westerly winds and a reduced likelihood of rain-bearing systems across inland NSW.

Primary producers are encouraged to visit www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au for information on a range of services and support available to prepare for and manage drought conditions.

Media contact: Anne Brook (02) 6763 1163 or 0477 358 305