PASTURES AND SOILS

Qld welcome rainfall but more needed

Heavy rain in Queensland isn't enough to stop the state's drought

Alex Paull

This article is 7 years old. Images might not display.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecast showers and thunderstorms would continue for much of the state, with the heaviest falls in the central coastal region from Rockhampton and Yeppoon extending south to Gladstone, and possibly as far south as Bundaberg on the southern fringe.

BOM has reported that localised flash flooding was a possibility with falls in the range, and it urged the public to exercise caution if caught in a heavy downpour and never walk, ride or drive through floodwaters.

Significant rainfall has been recorded in the state over the past week, with a number of locations recording rainfall in excess of 100mm. 

But graziers are still crying out for some rain to break the state’s most widespread drought in its history.

Over 87 per cent of the state is now drought-declared after the declaration of seven more drought-affected areas by Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne last week, including the Shire of Banana.

Banana Shire grazier Rodney Rideout told ABC Rural missing out on rain would mean he would have to consider destocking.

"We've only had seven millimetres in the last couple of days," he said.

"The forecast for today is looking promising, so I'd like that to come.

"This system is building up as though it will be our last chance [before winter]. You just couldn't believe it that we're in such a dry area and miss those storm cells."

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Chaser Bins

Chaser bins play a vital role when it comes to on-farm grain logistics. The January Research Report features a comprehensive round up of the latest chaser bins of 30 tonnes-plus capacity.

editions

Research Report: Succession Planning (December 2024)

This month's research report, compiled with the input of John White, Rural Generations, is a great resource for succession planning. A key message from the report is to start succession planning as soon as possible.

editions

Research Report: Field Days Wrap (November 2024)

Kondinin Group's research team has the low down on the latest gear that was on show at various field days held around the country in the past few months.

editions

Research Report: Trailing Sheep Feeders (October 2024)

Trailing sheep feeders are on the menu for Kondinin Group's October Research Report with nine popular models covered.