Farmers wanting to better understand climate models and forecasts to assist them in making farm business decisions will have the opportunity to improve their knowledge at two forums next month.

The forums on climate variability will be held on the Mornington Peninsula on May 4 and 5.

The events have been organised by the Department of Primary Industries’ Small Landholder Information Service and feature Climate Variability Agronomist Dale Grey and the award-winning DPI Climate Dogs.

Mr Grey said understanding what climate models mean when they refer to phenomena such as the Indian Ocean Dipole and the Southern Annular Mode can help farmers with their planning. Landholders can assess climatic forecasts and make informed decisions when considering their seasonal activities.

“The drivers of Victoria’s climate are being better understood by scientists and the climate dogs developed by DPI help to explain these drivers,” Mr Grey said.

“Looking at historical rainfall data for the Mornington Peninsula region will help landholders make sense of what creates rainfall variability and help them apply the information to their own situation.”

The first session will be held at the Flinders Golf Club in Bass Street on Friday, May 4 from 5:30-8:30pm. A light meal will be provided.

The second session will be held on Saturday, May 5 from 1-4pm at the Tyabb Fly Inn, corner of Mornington-Tyabb Rd and Stuarts Rd, Tyabb. A Devonshire tea will be provided.

Participants need to rsvp by Wednesday, May 2 to Karen Thomas on (03) 9785 0103 or 0488 372 411 or email karen.thomas@dpi.vic.gov.au.

The forums are a partnership between Department of Primary Industries’ Small Landholder Information Service and the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.