By Melissa Coleman
With our dams already at capacity, the ground sodden and a third La Nina upon us, it’s time once again to prepare for a wetter than normal few months, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
Yet farmers are some crop farmers are optimistic in the Southern Downs and Granite Belt regions.
The region is known for its abundant fresh produce and the rich soil allows farmers and graziers to produce a range of high-quality foods including wheat and barley, and vegetables.
However Senior Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury from the Bureau of Meteorology said the Southern Downs and the Granite Belt regions show a 65-70 per cent chance of above median rainfall for October to December.
“Most of eastern Australia has more than double the normal chance of unusually high rainfall,” Ms Bradbury said.
“However, for the Southern Downs and Granite Belt regions the chance of unusually high rainfall is near normal or only slightly higher than normal.”
Riverina Stock Feeds Warwick, Glen Whitton said farmers have started harvesting in central Queensland but the continuing rain in the Southern Downs is concerning.
“Some farmers are getting very close to harvest, but of course, the paddocks are very wet and they may not be able to get the harvest off.”
Mr Whitton said between now to November and December is harvest season for crops like wheat and barley.
Although the weather is a concern, Mr Whitton says the price of the crops has remained high and that’s a good sign.
Lewis Perkins from Kurrabar Farms said the Stanthorpe region are only just beginning there planting.
Mr Perkins is a vegetable grower, namely tomatoes and capsicum.
“The soil is lighter here and most farmers in the region have underground drainage to keep the ground from becoming water logged.”
“The soil is heavier in the Warwick regions which would be why they might find it harder to harvest, especially when the ground is waterlogged,” he said.
With more rain forecast this week and into the coming months, farmers are still hoping for a fruitful season.
