Drought tightening in NSW: Survey

Beef Central, 14/11/2013

The NSW Farmers Association says its latest survey of seasonal conditions has revealed that areas in north west NSW including Bourke, Brewarrina and Walgett continue to be in drought and that an increasing number of areas across the state are experiencing dry conditions.

The survey, which the association completes on a monthly basis, indicates that farmers across the north and central areas of the state are experiencing poor seasonal conditions with a poor outlook due to low rainfall, low soil moisture, low pasture growth and low water availability.

NSW Farmers President Fiona Simson said: “It is clear from this month’s survey and direct feedback we get from farmers that dry conditions are expanding across the state.”

“Areas around Bourke, Brewarrina and Walgett have been in drought for a number of months but areas from Glenn Innes, Tamworth, the Upper Hunter, Orange and out to Dubbo have all deteriorated in recent months with producers describing the current situation and forecast as poor to very poor,” she said.

“In preparing for these conditions farmers have been storing fodder and grain and they are now taking proactive steps to reduce stock numbers.

“With the possibility of a hotter drier summer, if farmers in these areas do not receive a late spring break the conditions could deteriorate rapidly,” she concluded.

Last week the minister acknowledged the drought conditions in the north west of the state including the statement that the government is actively considering other measures

Farmers currently experiencing drought in the north west have identified low interest loans and transport subsidies as measures that would help them through this very difficult time. The association awaits the minister’s response to these measures.

Source: NSW Farmers. Copies of the November map and previous months maps are available from the NSW Farmers website
 

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