According to the Bureau of Meteorology, data shows that the rainfall pattern is moving south at 60 kilometres per decade in a marked shift.
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"As climate change shifts Australia's weather patterns southwards, producers should be adjusting their farming systems and considering where they might be farming in the future," a BOM spokesperson said.
There was a clear pattern of the tropics steadily moving south, pushing the dry centre of Australia southwards.
"So, we are seeing higher, more frequent rainfalls in the northern part of Australia, and increased frequency of drought conditions and a reduction in overall rainfall moving into the southern cropping regions," the spokesperson said.
So in time, will we have bananas and pineapples on the Darling Downs and rice in Gippsland's' Macalister irrigation area? Strong wool Merinos will boot fines and mediums to Tasmania. Also, coming south with heavier rains will be the dreaded tick, necessitating a lick of bos indicus in beef herds.
All the levity aside, this prediction has come on the top of a story emanating from Western Australia, where grain growers are lifting yields at lower rainfalls. Those embracing no-till systems and using herbicides are in front. Soils are not being bashed and moisture retention is enhanced. And as a shock to the wobbly kneed, they say glyphosate for weed control has been a winner.
Well, you would not expect the BOM to have any knowledge of successful farming systems and the input from contemporary plant breeders, GPS technology and innovative machinery manufacturers. Then there are the farmers themselves, quick on the uptake and adaptable to seasonal curveballs.
NEW FUND
The Woolworths announcement that it is setting up a new fund for dairy farm improvements smacks of largess and paternalism. Of course, it is only for dairy farmers supplying Woolworths fresh milk and milk for manufactured products carried on their supermarket shelves. The handout is limited to a healthy $100,000 for projects that lift productivity.
Will we see Coles, IGA and Aldi step up to the plate? Also, what is so special about dairy farmers? What about vegetable and fruit growers, grain growers supplying the in house bakeries? Then there are the poultry, pork, beef and lamb producers.
It seems the penny has dropped that the foray into cut priced fresh milk was not a good look.
Instead of salving consciences, the current jump in dairy product consumption due to the coronavirus should be nurtured and promoted.
Then all dairy farmers and the industry will be winners.
