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MLA: Feb rainfall offers some reprieve in the north

Beef Central, 05/03/2014

Showers late in February saw large areas of NSW, SA, the NT, WA and Queensland record ‘above average’ rainfall for the month, with central Queensland right through to the Top End receiving upwards of 100mm. In contrast, the southern regions of WA, Victoria and Tasmania recorded ‘below average’ rainfall, with monthly totals of up to10mm, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).

Despite providing some reprieve from the recent hot and dry conditions, the February showers were not enough to salvage what has been a hot and dry summer across most eastern states, with plenty of follow-up rain required in March to improve the seasonal outlook.

Along with some showers in northern regions of Australia, large parts of the NT and Queensland experienced cooler average temperatures as well, with most of the north recording ‘below average’ maximum temperatures in February.

In the current situation, especially in northern NSW and Queensland, any rain is welcome rain. However, the frequency and volume of subsequent falls will define the quality of the northern wet season going forward, with producers looking for a solid break before winter. Southern producers are also hoping for follow up falls in early autumn, to boost pasture growth leading into the cooler months.

In contrast, large areas of WA, southern SA and NT experienced ‘very much above average’ rainfall over the past three months, gifting producers in those regions with an enticing beginning to the year.

Source: Meat & Livestock Australia

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