dealing with drought and its impacts on au's farmers
TRANSCRIPT
Dealing with Drought and
Its Impacts on AU's
Farmers
ABC Sheds
Head Office: 72 - 76 Old Temora Rd
Young NSW 2594
PH: 1800 44 55 68
EMAIL: [email protected]
Australia’s farmers have experienced three reasonable droughts in the years 2002,
2006, and 2008. In areas like WA, where drought is an annual condition, farmers have
taken the necessary steps in preparation for each of them every year, 2012 being the
driest growing season in the past five decades.
The worsening heat Down Under in the month of February has brought about an
increased chance of experiencing drought in Northern and Southern Australia, urging
more farmers to take precautionary actions in dealing with the inevitable event of
drought.
A Dry Spell
The Bureau of Meteorology’s most recent
drought report shows that the amount and
frequency of rainfall have fallen below
average for the greater regions of AU.
February seeing the worst heat has caused
a great decrease in rainfall for the coming
months, despite it being the key month for
the start of the country’s wet season.
Ten years ago, there were almost 1.2 million sheep, and 89, 000 cattle, currently there
are only 200, 700 and 23,000, respectively.
The heat has taken its toll on all aspects of farming, from the crops, to the livestock and
even the farmers. There has been an increase in suicide rates with each drought the
country has experienced—showing a clear sign of how livelihood greatly affects way of
living. As the crops struggle to survive, so do its caretakers and those that depend on
their income.
Dealing with the Heat
While most farmers sufficiently
prepare for the drought by
overstocking their warehouse with
feeds, produce, and water, it is only
for survival—at best.
Providing shelter and cover for crops,
and other farming needs prove to be
an even more useful measure in
reducing the heat’s casualties.
Sufficient housing and shade can reduce spoiling and wilting of goods—at the same
time, provide a healthy temperature for livestock, cattle and other animals to live in.
More farmers are seeking help from the government to assist them in difficult times like
this, saying they do not get much support from them while their products greatly
contribute to the greater good of Australia.
Sources:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-30/climate-council-cliamte-change-
report-droughts/6359090
http://www.abcsheds.net.au/products/horse-arenas/
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-12/drought-farmer-forum/6292876