Recent reports indicate that southern Western Australia has experienced its driest July on record, raising concerns among farmers about potential crop losses if the lack of rainfall persists. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has forecasted that these dry conditions are likely to continue for the next two months.
Farmers are now hoping for some late winter precipitation, following a drier-than-expected July that has heightened worries regarding agricultural yields. BOM data reveals that the state averaged only 6.86 millimeters of rainfall last month, marking the driest July since 2012 and the fourth-driest since 1900. Areas in the South West, Central West, and Interior districts recorded below-average precipitation levels.
In the South West region, a mere 42.05 millimeters of rain fell throughout July, significantly lower than the average of 112.9 millimeters, making it the second-driest July on record after 2012.
Paul O’Meehan, a farmer who operates a beef and mixed crop farm near Borden, approximately 400 kilometers south of Perth, expressed concern about the timing of the dry spell. He noted, “This time of year typically helps us recover and prepare for spring, but we just haven’t had that this season. We are unusually dry as we enter August.”
Last year, O’Meehan invested around $250,000 to line his dam catchments, a decision that has allowed him to retain some of the limited rainfall he received. “We’re currently about two-thirds full, but a significant portion has already been pumped into the lower dam. It’s remarkable how much we’ve managed to collect,” he commented. He added that without this investment, the dams would likely be empty, which is unprecedented for this time of year. He warned, “Water scarcity is going to become a significant issue in the district very soon.”
To the north in Pingelly, the ramifications of the dry weather are also evident. Sheep and grain producer Kevin O’Brien stated that July’s record low rainfall, following several months of inadequate precipitation, has left farmers in the southeast of Perth anxious about their prospects halfway through the season. “Currently, we are facing the possibility of very low yields,” he remarked.
O’Brien, who recently achieved a record price of $420 per head for sheep at the Katanning sale yards, acknowledged that diversifying his farming operations has provided some buffer against the drought. However, he stressed that pure grain farmers are likely to face significant challenges. “While livestock offers some financial respite, crop producers have had a particularly difficult season. The investment in crops is substantial, and without rain, it’s going to be challenging,” he elaborated. He projected that farmers in the Wheatbelt would need double the usual rainfall in August and September to hope for a recovery.
According to BOM senior hydrologist Masoud Edraki, the month of July was notably dry across Australia, primarily due to a persistent high-pressure system over southern WA that has inhibited the arrival of low-pressure systems responsible for cloud formation and precipitation. Edraki noted that long-range forecasts suggest continued dry weather in the southern regions of the state, extending into August and September. However, predictions for October indicate the possibility of wetter conditions that could bring relief in the spring.
In the Margaret River region, winemaker Rob Girardi has observed that the drier and warmer conditions have prompted his vineyard’s vines to emerge from dormancy earlier than usual. He expressed concern that this early growth could be detrimental, particularly if storms and rain occur in late winter and early spring. “This situation exposes the delicate fruiting tissue to potential damage,” he explained. “While there is little that can be done at this stage, we are certainly monitoring the situation closely.”
Furthermore, if dry conditions persist, the surrounding region may face an increased risk of summer wildfires. “This could indicate a longer fire season ahead, which is something we need to be vigilant about,” Girardi added. “It’s definitely a priority for us at this time.”
