Sign in Subscribe
Farmers

Drought Devastation: South-West Farmers Battle Worst-ever Conditions

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Farmers in the south-west are facing some of the worst conditions on record, with dams running dry and crops withering under the intense heat. After a decade of drought in northern Victoria, Peter Seabrook feared he would never experience such hardships again. However, the current situation has him questioning whether to continue farming. "It's definitely the worst I've seen," said Chris Place, a farmer with 55 years of experience. The situation is dire, with many farmers struggling to maintain their livestock and crops.

Key Takeaways:

  • Warrnambool has received just 70.6mm of rain this year, a third of its average 238mm.
  • Farmers are facing significant challenges, with Mr. Seabrook having to sell some of his stock to pay for feed and Mr. Place having to fence off his dam to prevent animals from playing in the mud.
  • The drought has been ongoing since September 2023, with no end in sight, according to Mr. Forrest.
  • Over 30 years of farming experience, Ben Kenna has never seen conditions as dire as they are now.
  • Terry Miller's concrete water tank business is struggling to meet demand, with his company supplying the region and as far north into southern NSW.
  • The situation is described as "beyond desperate" by Yambuk dairy farmer Jim Forrest, who is trying to maintain a milking herd while selling livestock.
  • Mr. Forrest estimates that it would take between 30mm and 60mm of rain to "raise the spirits" in the country.

Statistics:

  • 70.6mm: The amount of rain Warrnambool has received this year, just a third of its average 238mm.
  • 238mm: The average amount of rain Warrnambool receives annually.
  • 55 years: The duration of Chris Place's farming experience.
  • 15 years: The number of years Peter Seabrook has been farming in the region.
  • 40 years: The number of years Jim Forrest has been farming.
  • 30 years: The number of years Ben Kenna has been farming.

Sources:

  • "It's definitely the worst I've seen." - Katrina Lovell
  • The current situation is dire, with many farmers struggling to maintain their livestock and crops.
  • Warrnambool: Billy Lapsley
  • Peter Seabrook: "I thought this was God's country down here."

Read more