Climate at the Cowra Agricultural Research & Advisory Station
The township of Cowra is situated at the upper reaches of the Lachlan River in the Central Slopes region of New South Wales.
The area enjoys a Mediterranean-type climate, with an average annual rainfall of 625mm. Summer temperatures are warm to hot, with a mean maximum of around 30oC [86oF] whilst maximum winter temperatures reach 14oC [57.2oF]. Frosts generally occur between May and September.
Soils are mainly derived from granite and sedimentary rocks (shale, mudstone) but in many cases are colluvium or alluvial and bear little association with adjacent rock types. The predominant soil type is red-brown earth and this has good productivity under sound management.