ABARES Weekly Australian Climate, Water, and Agricultural Update: 8 January 2025

The week ending 8 January 2025 brought varied rainfall patterns across Australia, driven by low-pressure systems impacting the north, east, and west. Key highlights include signifcant rainfall in northern cropping regions, mixed pasture growth, and promising rainfall outlooks for the months ahead.

Weekly Rainfall Recap

• Northern and Eastern Regions: Signifcant rainfall totals ranging from 5–50 millimetres were recorded in northern cropping areas of Queensland and northern New South Wales, boosting soil moisture levels and supporting summer crop production.

• Southern Regions:

Drier conditions prevailed, with most areas receiving 0–25 millimetres of rainfall.

Outlook for the Coming Days

• North and East: Low-pressure systems are expected to deliver up to 100 millimetres of rainfall in parts of Queensland and New South Wales, benefting cropping areas.

• Other Cropping Regions: Little to no rainfall is anticipated.

Seasonal Conditions

• December 2024 Rainfall: o Most of Australia experienced average to extremely high rainfall, with well above average totals in eastern and western areas. o Parts of the south recorded below average rainfall, impacting soil moisture levels and pasture growth.

• Pasture Growth: o Northern Australia: Average to extremely high growth due to above-average rainfall. o Eastern and Southern Australia: Below average to extremely low growth, refecting drier conditions.

• Soil Moisture: o Low levels persist in southern Australia. o Above average soil moisture is evident in eastern Queensland, northern New South Wales, and large parts of Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

National Rainfall Outlook (February–April 2025)

The outlook indicates a high probability of above median rainfall across eastern and western Australia:

• Queensland and Northern NSW: o 75% chance of rainfall between 100–200 millimetres, improving soil moisture and supporting summer crop yields.

• Southern and Western Areas of Eastern Regions: o Expected totals of 50–100 millimetres, likely aiding pasture growth and soil profles. Implications for Agriculture

• Increased rainfall in the coming months is expected to boost soil moisture profles and support summer crop production in Queensland and northern NSW.

• Summer pasture growth may also improve in areas forecast to receive signifcant rainfall, helping offset the mixed growth observed over the past three months.

No updates have been provided for water markets and storage since the last publication.

In Memoriam

Memorial Ron Bateman

“There’s a special kind of feeling When I think about you, Dad It’s beautiful to remember All the happy times we’ve had There’s a special kind of caring & loving That is meant for you alone There’s a place within my heart That only you can own Missing you always Dad.

(formerly Grieve, nee Todd)

Late of Toowoomba and formerly of Kyogle, passed away peacefully on 8th January 2025, aged 95 years.

Betty was a beloved Wife, loving Mother and Mother-in-law and adored Grandmother and Great-Grandmother to her family.

A graveside memorial service will be held for Betty at a date to be announced.

Funeral

Notice

ASHTON, JEAN MIRIAM

Passed away peacefully.

Beloved wife of John, loved by her son’s Graeme, Andrew and their families.

Loving sister of George (dec), Rosemary and their families.

Jean’s Memorial Service will be held at the Alstonville Baptist Church, 108 Wardell Road Alstonville, on Friday 17 January 2025, commencing at 1pm.

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