Dry Seasonal Conditions in Rural Victoria
Report: 99
6 May 2010
Locust egg bed near Swan Hill. Locust egg laying has been reported in a number of Victorian areas.
(Source: M Cann)
Environmental Indicators
Weather
Rainfall
Rainfall was generally average across much of Victoria. Parts of North East Victoria, East Gippsland and Port Phillip received below average rainfall (Bureau of Meteorology, 3 May).
Temperature
Across Victoria, overnight minimum temperatures were warmer than average. Day time maximum temperatures at most localities were just slightly warmer than average (Bureau of Meteorology, 3 May).
Seasonal outlook
Across much of Victoria, the chances of exceeding the median May to July rainfall are between 40 and 60%, meaning that above average falls are about as equally likely as below average falls. However, the chances are between 35 and 40% for above average May to July falls in a small region in south western Victoria. This means that above normal falls would be expected to occur in around three or four years for every ten that ocean patterns are similar to the present (Bureau of Meteorology 22 April).
| Figure 1. Victorian rainfall totals, April 2010 National Climate Centre Bureau of Meteorology |
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| Figure 2. Victorian rainfall percentages, April 2010 National Climate Centre Bureau of Meteorology |
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| Figure3. Victorian rainfall deciles, April 2010 National Climate Centre Bureau of Meteorology |
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| Figure 4. Chance of exceeding the median rainfall between May to July 2010 National Climate Centre Bureau of Meteorology |
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Water storages
Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW)
The last day for placing orders for channel deliveries is the 10 May 2010. This is for all areas except Loddon which closed on May 3. The end of the Irrigation season for Goulburn-Murray Water customers in channel delivery areas is the 15 May 2010.
Goulburn Murray Water has provided the following information on the changes to carryover water for Goulburn, Murray and Campaspe irrigators (G-MW, 15 April).
- All water in your Allocation Bank Account (ABA) linked to water shares on 30 June will automatically carryover
- You can chose to start the season with the equivalent of a 100% allocation on your high and low reliability water shares - to trade or use*.
- There are some new concepts
- Spillable Water Account (SWA)- If your carryover allocation is equivalent to more than 100% of your high and low reliability water shares, the extra water is quarantined in a SWA until the declaration is made or the storage spills. If the storages fill completely, water in SWAs will be the first water to spill - this protects the existing entitlements
- Declaration - A declaration is made by the Water Resource Manager when there is a low risk of this spill happening.
- If your ABA is linked to low and high reliability water shares, your carryover is recorded against your low then high reliability shares
* trading rules and/or system operations permitting
Southern Rural Water (SRW)
The 2009/10 season allocation for customers in the Macalister Irrigation District is currently 100% of HRWS and 45% of Low Reliability Water Shares (LRWS). In the Werribee Irrigation District and Bacchus Marsh Irrigation District, the seasonal allocation is 14% HRWS guaranteed to 30 June 2010 (SRW, 20 April).
Table 2: Storage levels
| Storage | Change in last month | Capacity week ending 1/6/10 | Storage | Change in last month | Capacity week ending 1/6/10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Goulburn Basin |
-1% | 25% | Thomson/ LaTrobe Basin | -1% | 31% |
| Broken Basin | 0% | 2% | Werribee Basin | -1% | 11% |
| Campaspe Basin | 0% | 11% | Glenelg/ Wimmera Basin | 0% | 11% |
| Loddon Basin | 1% | 20% | Maribyrnong | -1% | 4% |
| Upper Murray Basin | 0% | 26% | Barwon Storage | -1% | 38% |
| Ovens Basin | -7% | 62% |
Source: http://www.fishvictoria.com/pnews/water_levels.php
Social Indicators
DPI Drought Hotline
The DPI / DSE Customer Service Centre received 92 drought related contacts for April 2010 compared with 69 for March. Enquiries were from the North West (26), Port Phillip (25), North East (20), South West (16), Gippsland (2), interstate (2), and unknown (1).
The major queries to the Customer Service Centre are listed below.
| FAQ’s used to answer customer enquiries | Total |
|---|---|
| Farm Decision Support Grant | 46 |
| Farm Improvement Grants | 24 |
| Interest Rate Subsidies | 6 |
| Drought Apprenticeship Retention Bonus | 3 |
Other queries made up the remainder of the calls
Drought financial assistance
As at 1 May 2010, Rural Finance reports that 15,213 applications for the Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate Subsidy for primary producers have been approved. The total value of the subsidies approved is $461 million with an average of $30,145.
Victorian Government Drought Support
As at the 30 April 2010, a total of $5.03 million in Municipal Rate Subsidies was paid to EC relief payment recipients across 41 Shire and Rural City Councils. Councils have been paid $300,265 to administer the delivery of this additional drought assistance on behalf of the state government.
As at the 30 April 2010, a total of $805,500 in Drought Apprenticeship Retention Bonuses (DARB IV) has been paid to Victorian businesses to support 1081 apprentices in the 2009-10 financial years.
As at 26 March 2010, Rural Finance has paid out $463,844 in Farm Improvement Grants to 376 applicants on behalf of the state government. In the Northern Irrigation region, 158 applications have been approved with an average grant value of $1,934. In remaining declarations, 163 applications have been approved with an average grant value of $974.
Economic Indicators
Commodity prices and movements
Table 3: Commodity prices and movements
| Commodity prices | Week ending 4 June 2010 | Week ending 28 May 2010 | April 2010 | June 2009 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheat APW pool 1 Malting barley 1 |
195 N/A |
195 N/A |
204 N/A |
306 228 |
| Yearling steers (C3 180-220 kg) 2 Lambs (16-20 kg) 2 |
355 500 |
340 474 |
344 476 |
327 432 |
| Old pasture hay (Bairnsdale $/t) 2 | 80 | 80 | 90 | 130 |
| Temporary water (Greater Goulburn $/ML) 3 | 80 | 80.50 | 130 | 320.75 |
| Grains are Portland cash price (except for APW pool) *Prices for Melbourne (as Portland n/a these dates). Stock prices are ¢/kg cwt |
Sources: | 1 Weekly Times 2 Stock and Land 3 www.watermove.com.au |
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Regional Reports
Mallee
Locusts have infected 60% of the Mallee. A vast majority of self-generating and sown pastures have been completely destroyed. The rate of spread southwards of the locust swarms has slowed as paddock feed supply for them increases and weather cools. Egg laying is rampant. Sowing is being delayed by most farmers in locust affected areas, and the ideal soil moistures may be marginal on the heavy soil types by the time they commence. Summer rainfall has reduced the quality of many grapes (wine, table & dried) due to increased disease levels. Weather has also affected the supply of vegetables and caused damage to some fruit trees. Hand feeding of stock has commenced by many in locust areas whereas before locusts the pastures were in excellent condition. Outside of the locust area, pastures and self-sown cereals are still looking good and are providing excellent stockfeed.
Wimmera
The Wimmera ranges from a decile 6 (Nhill) to decile 10 (Longerenong). Temperatures have been warmer than average during April. Soil moisture is good. Early sowing of canola, oats, vetch and some barley is occurring. Crop emergence has been rapid due to warm/moist soil conditions. Paddock feed is excellent. There are very good supplies of hay and grain. Lamb prices are very high.
North Central
Rain throughout March and April has provided the best start to the season for many years. Southern districts such as Maryborough, Bendigo and Redesdale have fared better than some of the more northern areas such as Wedderburn and Charlton. Sowing of winter grain crops is now underway. Sheep are in good condition on summer weeds, annual pastures and dryland lucerne. Most farms have adequate amounts of green paddock feed. Both grain and hay supplies are good. Storms over the last 3 months have part filled many dams that have been low in water for years. The summer storms have put moisture into the ground that will be used by winter crops.
Northern Irrigation
Although paddocks are green, there has been little effective rainfall in the last month across much of the region. Without irrigation water crops will be suffering from moisture stress. Some early sown crops have been severely damaged by locusts and many farmers are hesitant to sow while the locusts are still active. Most croppers are now delaying sowing so as to coincide crop emergence with reduced locust activity expected with cooler conditions in mid May. The Pink Lady and Sundowner apple harvest is due to begin in a few days, with sugar levels rising and colour developing. Most dairy farmers have a large area of annual pastures now up and are starting to graze them. There is a large amount of hay unsold throughout the district.
North East
The North East has received good rain through April, although the falls have been patchy. Many farmers are saying this is the best start to the season in at least 30 years. Many people are starting their cereal sowing program which will continue until moisture conditions are marginal. Farmers report rapid germination in the warm soil temperatures. Isolated small patches of locusts have eaten some crops and sown pastures but as yet there are no reports of visible egg laying. The season is above average east of the Hume Highway with plenty of paddock feed and lower stocking rates in most situations. Rainfall has been a bit patchier on the flats, and is just starting to pick up again now in Euroa after a fairly warm, dry spell which killed off quite a lot of the clover germinated earlier in the season. There is abundant supply of fodder across the NE. Most people have good water supplies. Many areas have dams close to full. The plains areas have received some run off relieving the short term water shortages.
East Gippsland
There has been some variability in rainfall totals across East Gippsland. Mt Nowa Nowa and Orbost received good rainfall. The Bairnsdale area is still well below average; however reports have been received of up to 26mm from one storm cell in the afternoon of April 20. April has also seen some unusual warm weather. Winter cereals are being sown utilizing any residual soil moisture and the hoped for rainfall forecast for the last weekend in April. Sowing area is down compared to last year which may be a reflection of lower grain prices. Pastures and earlier sown crops in areas without the rainfall had a good start earlier in the season but are now showing signs of moisture stress. Lack of rain and the unusual warm weather is causing a considerable slowing of pasture growth and the germination and establishment of crops. Many farms are running low on fodder reserves as a result of a poor 2009 season. However, fodder is generally affordable. On farm water storages are low with an estimated 50% of dams still dry.
West and South Gippsland
Good rainfall has occurred throughout West and South Gippsland, maintaining excellent conditions for pasture growth. Temperatures remain mild. There is good pasture availability across the region. Growth rates currently exceed those experienced at this time last year. There are good conditions for establishing new pastures and crops. Fodder reserves are good and supplies of local hay and silage are still on hand. There has been increased soil loss from cultivated paddocks due to the heavy rainstorm activity of recent weeks. On farm water storages are reasonable and in some cases storm runoff has increased storage levels.
Port Phillip
Cooler temperatures have brought relief to the region. The ground is still dry however, in spite of light rains. There is no excess feed in the region. On cropped dry land, weeds such as Bathurst burr and prairie ground cherry appear to be a problem. There are adequate dam levels for stock water.
South West
Weather conditions in the western region have been wetter and warmer then average. Sowing is in progress throughout the region. There are no issues with pests as in other regions. Soil moisture is providing good sowing conditions. Significant pasture growth observed for April, following an early autumn break and continued rain activity in most parts of the region. Rainfall has been patchy across the district with some areas missing out. Fodder reserves are good, with feed grain and hay still plentiful. There are no water quality or quantity issues apparent within the district.
DPI response
Drought related activities held this month
Northern Irrigation
- 29 Apr – Echuca – Sustainable Farm Families workshop (third year program).
- 22 Apr – Rochester – Sustainable Farm Families workshop (third year program). 14 attended.
- 14 April – Shepparton - Post-harvest Irrigation Farm Walks at Shepparton East (pears) and Toolamba (peaches). 24 attended.
Wimmera
- 24 March – Corack CFA / Buloke shire evening get together – 30 attended
- 25 March – Horsham East – Climate Variability update – 12 attended
- 14 April – Brim – Climate Variability update – 20 attended
- 14-15 April – Natte Yallock – Sustainable Farm Families workshop (second year program). 15 attended.
North East
- 13 April – Benalla – Sustainable Farm Families workshop (third year program). 16 attended.
Mallee
- 28 April – Swan Hill – Sustainable Farm Families workshop (third year program). Cancelled.
- 7 April – Lake Culleraine – Sustainable Farm Families workshop (third year program). 17 attended.
- VFF horticulture seminars including a weather presentation; Mildura 20th and Swan Hill 21st April
North Central
- 20-21 Apr - Bridgewater – Sustainable Farm Families workshop (first year program). 12 attended.
South West
- 27 Apr – Colac – Sustainable Farm Families workshop (third year program).
Local workshops planned
Mallee
- 6 May – Mildura – Sustainable Farm Families workshop (third year program).
- 5 May – Mildura – Water Policy Explained by state authorities for VIC, SA, NSW
- 29 June – Mildura – Weather drivers and rainfall predictions, Mildura seminar for growers and service providers.
Northern Irrigation
- 28 May – Shepparton – Sustainable Farm Families workshop (third year program).
- May – Various locations – G-MW Irrigator Information Session explaining new carry-over rules, the “Spillable Water Account” and the new water reserve policy, both of which should assist irrigated horticulturalists during dry seasons.
- 4 May – Shepparton – VFF Horticulture Business Sessions. Pam Strange (DPI Irymple) will present a 1 hour session on “Weather trends and the affects on your region”.
- 5 May – Shepparton – GOTAFE Amenity Horticulture Group. Dale Gray (DPI Cobram) will present 1.5 hour session on “Climate Drivers” and “Weather”.
North East
- 20 May – Beechworth – Sustainable Farm Families workshop (third year program).
- 26 May – Mansfield – Sustainable Farm Families workshop (third year program).
South West
- 10 May – Camperdown – Sustainable Farm Families workshop (third year program).
Success Stories
Collaboration between Shepparton Fruit Growers and DPI Future Farming Systems Research and Farm Services Victoria.
With the drought and low water allocations irrigators have been looking at all options to save water. Farmer practice and research done by DPI at Tatura in previous years has shown that in some situations it is possible to reduce the amount of irrigation water applied to peaches and pears without affecting crop yields and quality. Irrigation research agronomists at Tatura, Dr Ian Goodwin, Abdi Qassim and technical assistant, Jim Sellman have been running two local experimental sites for the last two seasons to measure and quantify the conditions necessary to achieve both water savings and good farm profits. Farm Services Victoria has developed a “Route to Market” project to assist with developing and extending practical “take home messages” for farmers from current research. Sam Lolicato, Climate Adaptation Officer, has assisted the researchers by working with local grower groups and service providers to promote, organise and run two farm walks at the experimental sites. The sites are on properties owned by commercial growers who collaborate, by not only providing the trees and the basic production resources, but also by providing opinions and comments that help to validate the work. These farm walks provided a progress report of results from the experiments that have been running for 2 seasons. Post-harvest irrigation treatments will end this season and final crop production measurements will be made next summer during the harvest season, after which the results will be used to develop practical recommendations for orchardists.
Media and Communication
Media releases
31 March 2010 – New rules give irrigators more carryover certainty (Tim Holding MP) Northern Victorian irrigators on the Murray, Goulburn and Campaspe systems will be able to carry over water for the coming 2010/11 irrigation season with very low risk, under reforms to carryover rules confirmed today by the Water Minister Tim Holding. There will no longer be a limit on how much unused water an irrigator can carry over from this season to the new season starting on 1 July 2010. Instead of irrigators losing water once their carryover and allocations reach 100 per cent of their entitlement volume, they can keep their carryover in a new spillable water account. This water will only be lost if the storages actually spill.
Media headlines
Farming and agriculture
- Locust vigilance urged Country News 5/4 –Low-level populations of locusts in northern Victoria have blown in from NSW, while low-density swarms have hatched in the north-west of the state near Swan Hill.
- Farmgate price up Warrnambool Standard 8/4 – Warrnambool Cheese and Butter (WCB) has again lifted its farmgate milk price
- Locusts and mice are on the move Stock and Land 8/4 – The Northerly air flow that brought the drenching rains, so welcome throughout March in Victoria and the NSW Riverina, has also brought down a less welcome natural phenomenon in the form of locusts.
- Healthy seed potato crop could save local growers Portland Observer 12/4 – Local seed potato growers are fervently hoping Glenelg Shire’s freedom from a devastating disease will protect the industry here from the effects of deep price cuts for their crops.
- Rain proves a pain Weekly Times 14/4 – The dried-fruit harvest is continuing in northwest Victoria with intermittent rain causing frustrating delays for growers and processors.
- Wheat’s quality quandary Stock and Land 15/4 – Wheat quality and all its various permutations is set to be the major issue in grains in 2010, as farmers worry about maintaining Australia’s premium markets.
- Grapes slashed Sunraysia Daily 17/4 – Some varieties of table grapes will be reduced by 80 per cent in the 2009-10 harvest, Sunraysia industry leaders say.
- Season for cropping Border Mail 17/4 – With Anzac Day just around the corner southern Riverina and North East farmers are just about ready to start the copping season.
- Price Rebound Country News 19/4 – United Dairy Power is working closely with the Victorian Government to locate the perfect site for its northern Victorian milk processing facility.
- Locust plague to cost millions as entire crops disappear The Age 22/4 – Victoria is experiencing its biggest locust outbreak in nearly 40 years, with the state’s farmers bracing for financial losses in the millions of dollars.
- Sunraysia is fruit fly free again Sunraysia Daily 28/4 – Sunraysia is fruit fly free again.
- Export demand still driving lamb prices Stock & Land 29/4 – The strong demand for lambs continued last week.
Water
- Water prices plummet as supply increases Country News 5/4 – Temporary water prices are at levels not seen for years.
- Water spills over Country News 5/4 – Northern Victorian Irrigators on the Murray, Goulburn and Campaspe systems will be able to carry over water for the coming 2010 – 11 irrigation season with low risk, under reforms to carryover rules confirmed last week.
- System forced to close Country News 12/4 – A decision to close down Campaspe Irrigation District has left many farmers assessing options for their farming future.
- Pipeline dreams a reality at last Stock & Land 22/4 – Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water chairman Barry Clugston jubilantly proved the critics wrong at last weeks official opening of one of Australia’s largest water infrastructure projects, the Wimmera-Mallee pipeline.
Drought financial assistance
- Shires slam end of drought funds Ballarat Courier 9/4 – Two district shires have slammed the process that has seen drought relief funding withdrawn from local farmers.
- Support for farmers Country News 26/4 – The Victorian Government is calling on all farmers to submit their applications to share in $13.5 million of Farm Improvement Grants.
Compiled & edited by Angie Grills, and proofed by Drought Operations & Response Managers.
