Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie wreaked havoc through parts of Queensland and the north coast of NSW, but it also provided valuable rain for grain farmers.
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It goes with the territory in Queensland. Farmers rely on the tropical summer storms pushing inland to soak the cropping areas and build soil moisture for the winter. At times, this pattern can be dreadfully destructive, as has been painfully evident in the past week.
Rainfall totals tapered away as the storm moved inland compared to the inundations that were seen along the coast.
Soaking rain through the Central Highlands in the past week will go a long way towards assuring another big chickpea crop in 2017. Rainfall totals ranged from 60mm to 120mm for the week. The heaviest falls in the south around Springsure and Comet.
Rain in the last four weeks has rectified the impacts of the hot, dry summer which left farms parched. Most of Central Queensland has now recorded upwards of 200mm during March which has soaked paddocks and replenished soil moisture levels.
CQ farmers missed out on a summer crop but are now well positioned for another big chickpea season.
Rainfall totals through Southern Queensland were also impressive. Most areas across the Darling Downs received a good soaking which will sure up chances of a successful winter crop. The eastern Darling Downs received a general 75mm to upwards of 100mm.
Totals were lighter in the western Downs and Maranoa. Most farmers received a general 50mm to 75mm with isolated cased on 100mm or more. The bulk of the western Downs received 100mm or more during March which was enough to top up soil moisture profiles.
Areas west of Goondiwindi were not as fortunate with the rainfall in the past week, which has farmers looking for more rain. In these western parts, weekly totals were mostly 30mm or less.
Longer term weather outlooks for Australia’s major cropping areas is more of a concern.
In its updated medium term outlook is expected to be drier and warmer than normal, with the warming ocean temperatures in the mid-Pacific. Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology said April to June rainfall is likely to be below average over the southern two-thirds of mainland Australia excluding the east coast. It also said daytime temperatures for April to June are likely to be above average for most of Australia.
The bureau said there is a 50/50 chance of an El Nino developing by July.
Northern grain markets lost ground last week because of the widespread rain across Queensland’s major cropping areas.
Brisbane and Darling Downs sorghum bids tumbled by $12 to $15 a tonne following the rain. Darling Downs sorghum bids slipped to $238 delivered. Smaller declines were seen in stockfeed wheat and feed barley.
Chickpea prices jumped by $45 to $995 Brisbane on the back of exporter buying. Traders ignored news that India had imposed a 10 per cent import duty on wheat and pulses, effective immediately, as the government moves to slow the pace of grain import during the local harvest.
