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        CLIMATE

        Icon Climate

        Farmers need to manage climate variability within and across seasons, as well as a changing climate in the longer term. We are helping to  boost resilience and foster more sustainable farming practices.

        For more information contact

        Pip Grant

        WHY CLIMATE DATA INSIGHTS are IMPORTANT FOR FARMERS IN THE RIVERINE PLAINS

        Each farming season is characterised by differences in rainfall, temperature and the occurrence of storms and extreme events. 

        Understanding the amount of moisture in the soil profile and the likelihood of follow-up rain is key to making sound management decisions. Farmers need this information to make decisions about how and when to sow, irrigate, fertilise and harvest. They also need to understand when temperature and rainfall conditions increase the risk of pest and disease outbreaks, and when frost and heat stress may impact crops at sensitive stages of development. 

        Having up to date and reliable climate and weather information is critical for farmers to make informed decisions about the timing of their farming operations, including spraying. This allows for yield to be maximised under the prevailing seasonal conditions, and in turn leads to increased profitability by understanding when to apply or withhold inputs.

        Riverine Plains is undertaking a number of projects and programs to enhance resilience and foster sustainable farming practices. This will help farmers prepare for climate variability and extremes now and into the future.

        Research highlights

        • The Riverine Plains network of weather stations and soil moisture probes helps farmers manage their day-to-day farm operations, including spraying, sowing and harvest operations.
        • Riverine Plains is investigating how the network of weather stations can better support the community, emergency services and farmers with bushfire and flood management.
        • Farmers in the Riverine Plains are managing extremely damaging slug populations – monitoring soil moisture can help predict when slugs may reach the surface.

        Supporting climate resilience through weather stations

        On-farm weather stations fill an important information gap for farmers and we are investigating how they can assist emergency services and communities, when no other weather information is available.

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        Supporting climate resilience through weather stations - Feature

        OUR CLIMATE PROJECTS

        Our climate-related projects are helping farmers to better manage climate variability, both within and across seasons.

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        WHAT’S ON

        Discover our upcoming and past events – from webinars and seminars to workshops and field days.

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        NEWS

        Discover unique perspectives on agriculture from across the Riverine Plains.

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        Assessing frost damage & making decisions on hay vs grain
        Rainfall and soil moisture update, September 2024
        ESG – what is it & what does it mean for farmers?
        More robust weather stations project
        CSI participants discuss GHG emissions, tour Mars Petcare
        Managing drought and climate challenges