June 28, 2017
South Burnett rural producers have been invited to attend a workshop on Thursday (June 29) hosted by well-known climatologist, Prof Roger Stone.
Prof Stone, who is based at the University of Southern Queensland, has been brought to the region by the South Burnett Grazing Network.
He will provide information on El Niño and La Niña events, the SOI (Southern Oscillation Index), and how they are associated with rainfall in the South Burnett district.
New forecast system information developed with international partners will also be presented which is assisting industries to improve planning and marketing decisions.
DAF Climate Risk Project Manager Damien O’Sullivan will also cover the use of a wide range of climate information available on the internet and elsewhere to help farmers in their decision-making.
The free workshop has been funded by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries with support from the University of Southern Queensland, and it will be held at the Kingaroy DAF Research Station (opposite Kingaroy Airport) from 12:30pm to 5:00pm.
For more information, phone DAF on (07) 4182-1800.
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The University of Southern Queensland says the seasonal climate work being undertaken by Prof Stone will mean better forecasting for farmers and agribusinesses will become a reality.
A USQ research team is conducting a project to help farmers better prepare for extreme seasonal climate events and increase productivity and profits through proactive management practices.
Prof Stone, who is the lead researcher, said the project would help farmers to proactively manage extreme climatic events.
“Seasonal climate forecasting, three to six months ahead, can already provide reasonable capability in warning farmers of above or below normal rainfall,” Prof Stone said.
“However, it is the extremes of seasonal climate, such as severe droughts and poor rainfall, or severe flooding and excess rainfall – especially if over-protracted time scales – that cause major hardship and loss of income to farmers.
“These are the patterns that will now be the focus of enhanced research and development activity, which has not been the case in the past.”
USQ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) Prof Mark Harvey said the work being conducted by Prof Stone and his team would help farmers and agribusinesses understand how to use seasonal-forecasts of extreme climate events.
“Our climate is so variable and plays such an integral role in the farming industry, so to give farmers the tools to help assist with management practices and better preparing for extreme weather events will prove tremendously beneficial in increasing returns and profits,” Prof Harvey said.
The project, in partnership with the Bureau of Meteorology, the University of Melbourne, State Governments, other agribusiness agencies, and the Birchip Cropping Group, is working directly with farmers, agribusinesses and farm consultants to develop risk management plans for each industry.
It is being managed by Meat & Livestock Australia through $6.2 million of funding from the Federal Government’s Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, as part of its Rural Research & Development for Profit program.
