Weather Updates from The RPL Team
Rain mist at ‘Tanamera’
Like many others living on the land, we’ve always got an eye on the weather, waiting for rain!
Australian farmers have long adapted to the challenges posed by an unpredictable climate. From droughts to floods, heatwaves to cyclones, producers have developed resilience through innovation, experience, and strategic planning.
In this article, we’ll be looking at what this year’s wet season might have in store. Plus, we’ll take a look at how Australian producers have historically managed unpredictable weather to sustain agricultural productivity.
What are the 2025 conditions looking like?
Meteorologists predicted the return of La Niña for the fourth time in five years, anticipating above-average rainfall. However, the dry start to 2025 has caused producers in Queensland and the Northern Territory to second guess this forecast.
Of course, there is always the potential for La Niña to return. This could cause a more active cyclone season, with tropical lows already impacting Townsville and surrounding coastal areas. While associated flooding has unfortunately devastated many North Queensland communities, it has also pushed some much-needed rain into Central and Northwest Queensland. Alongside increased rainfall, experts warn of unpredictable weather patterns. Extended wet spells could alternate with drier periods, challenging traditional methods for water management and crop planning.
Despite these anxieties, the Rural Bank’s Australian Agriculture Outlook 2025 report predicts a positive first half of 2025, with generally favourable rainfall on the horizon.
We’re hoping this will be beneficial for Australian farmers!
Further, the onset of the monsoon season in the Northern Territory has been significantly delayed. Traditionally, the season begins in late December, but this year’s arrival has been record-breaking. Previously, the latest recorded start was January 25, 1973— a benchmark that has now been surpassed. Senior meteorologist Rebecca Patrick from the Bureau of Meteorology noted that while it's highly unlikely for the monsoon to skip an entire season, its late onset has been unprecedented.
How are Australian producers sustaining agricultural productivity amidst unpredictable weather conditions?
Australian producers have developed a deep understanding of how to operate in one of the most variable climates in the world. Their ability to "weather the storm" comes from experience, adaptability, and innovation. Over generations, farmers have relied on a range of strategies to mitigate risks and maintain productivity, even in the face of extreme weather events. Here are some of the key approaches they use:
Diversified Livestock and Cropping Management
To build resilience against fluctuating weather patterns, many producers implement diversified farming systems.
Mixed livestock enterprises
Farmers manage a combination of cattle, sheep, and other livestock to balance production cycles and reduce financial risk when one sector is affected by adverse conditions.
Multi-crop farming
Growing a variety of crops with different seasonal tolerances helps producers spread risk, ensuring that even if one crop underperforms due to drought or excessive rain, others may still thrive
Enhanced Water Management
Water security is a critical challenge in Australian agriculture, and producers are continuously improving their management techniques to optimize resources:
Infrastructure upgrades
Many farmers invest in fencing dams, expanding water storage capacities, and modernizing irrigation systems to maximize efficiency.
Remote water monitoring technology
Advances in technology now allow producers to track water levels and consumption in real time, enabling smarter water distribution and conservation efforts.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Technology and data analysis have become essential tools in modern agriculture, helping producers make informed decisions that optimise productivity:
Localised weather monitoring
Farmers utilise real-time weather data from localised stations, satellite imaging, and Bureau of Meteorology forecasts to plan planting, harvesting, and grazing schedules.
Pasture growth and feed availability mapping
Online tools allow producers to assess pasture conditions and forecast forage availability, helping them plan stocking rates and grazing rotations more effectively.
How can we tell the rain is coming?
We are always checking the radar for rain, but here are some of our favourite ‘bush superstitions’ for sign of when rain is on the way:
If the emus have a bumper crop of chicks, it’s believed to signal a plentiful season ahead.
When the frogs start croaking like a bush choir, rain is said to be on its way (though, to be fair, a sprinkler can get them just as excited!).
If the ground lice start marching out of the black soil, some say they’ve got the inside scoop on an imminent downpour.
Some refuse to look at the rain radar when clouds start building up in fear of jinxing themselves.
As always, we’ll be hoping for steady rain on our property ‘Tanamara’, Southwest of Longreach. We hope the weather is kind to you in 2025!
We live the lifestyle we sell. For all enquiries, please contact Wally at walcooper@ruralpropertylivestock.com