Wet weather welcome

The wet start to November has been welcomed by farmers after one of the driest seasons on record last year.

Bureau of Meteorology figures showed Busselton experienced more rain in November than in the whole of October, with 45mm so far.

The rainfall took Busselton past the November average of 24.8mm and to a total spring rainfall of 150.6mm, dramatically more than last spring’s 65mm.

Acton Park dairy farmer Kieran Chapman said it was a relief to have a wet spring “after the worst season we ever had” last year.

Mr Chapman said rain would result in more grass, which would push out the growing season and reduce the amount of hay needed.

“If it keeps raining it will be really good, we won’t have to feed for ages,” he said.

Whispering Pines angus bull stud manager Clayton Trigwell said the hot days that led into the recent rains resulted in pasture grasses, and clovers, quickly drying out and starting to die, leaving a very short window for farmers to cut and bale hay with maximum nutritional value.

“The amount of rain we have had of late has been quite unseasonal and I expect it has been quite frustrating for a number of farmers in the district ho have hay on the ground that won’t dry,” he said.

However, Mr Trigwell agreed there were more positives to the rain than negatives.

“As beef producers we are coming into our main selling season and the extra moisture in the ground will extend the growing season, which gives us the option to hang on to our cattle longer and get a bit more weight into them,” he said “With slightly higher beef prices at the moment, mostly due to a lack of supply, I see it as an added bonus for us and other beef producers.

“The longer growing season also means we get a little more value out of our spring fertiliser dollar.”

Bureau of Meteorology climate officer John Relf said the rain had made a revival and it was not finished yet.

“Saturday will bring a shower or two and Sunday might also see some showers,” he said.