Betting on Rain draws together basic information on weather and climate systems, and recent research on the development and application of seasonal risk assessment tools, in the specific context of western NSW. The guide provides both informative insights into the factors that determine regional weather patterns and practical tools that will allow landholders to utilise what predictability does exist to improve management decision making.

The research team worked with a network of over 300 landholders across western NSW. Their feedback has helped shape this booklet and we expect that they and others will find it a valuable addition to the earlier rangeland publications in the glove box guide series.

Climate science can not yet provide answers to all the questions that landholders ask about future seasonal conditions. But it can make a practical contribution when the available tools are understood and properly applied. This publication will make a substantial contribution to that process. It should reward frequent reference whenever landholders grapple with the climatic uncertainties that confront primary production and land management in western NSW.

Contents of this guide include:

• Introduction
• What drives climate and weather?
• Managing climate risk
• Using historical rainfall data
• Seasonal risk assessment
• Trigger points
• Sources of climate and weather information
• Some producer’s views

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	Betting on rain - Managing seasonal risk in western NSW - PDF file	2.8 MB

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	Betting on rain - section 1 - PDF file Cover, foreward, introduction, contents. Part 1 - What drives climate and weather? Part 2 - Managing climate risk	569k
	Betting on rain - section 2 - PDF file Seasonal outlook indicators What are El Niño and La Niña? Part 3 - Managing climate risk	542k
	Betting on rain - section 3 - PDF file Part 4 - Seasonal risk assessment - 1	420k
	Betting on rain - section 4 - PDF file Part 4 - Seasonal risk assessment - 2	559k
	Betting on rain - section 5 - PDF file Part 4 - Seasonal risk assessment - 3	455k
	Betting on rain - section 6 - PDF file Part 5 - Trigger points Part 6 - Sources of climate and weather information Part 7 - Some producers’ views	408k