‘Grim’ rain forecast could leave farmers without income for another season
Farmers in the eastern states could be facing another season without income unless it rains within the next six weeks.
Grain and vegetable farmers may not be able to plant any summer crops because of the lack of moisture in the soil.
The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted a drier than average spring rainfall forecast for the inland areas.
The effects of drought have already led to water shortages in rural towns and left farmers desperately trying to keep their stock alive.
Chair of the NSW Farmers Grains committee Matthew Madden has been farming in Moree for 35 years and tells Steve Price he hasn’t seen a worse dry spell.
“The outlook from the Bureau is quite grim, to say the least, and if we don’t get rain within that time we might have to wait until September to have another opportunity to plant a viable crop, if it rains.
“The last couple of years have probably been the driest on record for summer and winter.
“A lot of peoples optimism and confidence is a little low because what’s happened hasn’t happened before, so why can’t it happen again?”
Click PLAY to hear the full interview