AUSTRALIA’S warmest April on record (for mean maximum temperature) has just been confirmed, with multiple records broken across the nation, according to the latest Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) data.
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Rainfall in April was also 73% below average for NSW as a whole, the lowest total in April since 2005.
Corkhills Ag Services Agronomist Tom Corkhill said the warm, dry and windy conditions are making life hard for farmers.
“We got that early break in late February and that got us ticking along pretty well but since then 10-15mls is all we’ve had,” he said.
“Pasture country is struggling and the early sown crops that are in, some of them still look good but they need moisture soon.
“Some of the later crops, in the last two to three weeks, are shot and straight up out of the ground but they are struggling, they need a drink soon.”
Mr Corkhill said pasture density, quality and quantity is “disappearing day by day”.
“We just need that moisture to try and get something growing cause it’s going to get cold on us here soon, we’re already getting cold nights now,” he said.
“As soon as we get a little moisture, we’ll get into the frosty conditions and things will really slow down in the growth phase.
“It’s going to be a tough enough winter for everyone I think.”
Mr Corkhill advised farmers to keep an eye on pastures, not letting them get too low.
“Start feeding earlier rather than later and de-stock earlier rather than later,” he said.
“Keep an eye on the crops and also slugs and insect damage on the crops that are in the ground now.
“Overall, it is tough through this district at the moment but in comparison to those further west than us and north of us, we are probably still fairing okay.
“Hang in there and let’s hope we get some rain.”
