Seasons Magazine

There has been much chatter in the passing weeks and months about agriculture’s prospects with an El Nino outlook on the horizon, causing dryer and hotter conditions than experienced, largely, across many parts of Australia over previous years. Agriculture has always been subject to the whims of the weather, and its critics will say this makes it vulnerable to volatility. While the seasons are undoubtedly unpredictable, my view remains optimistic. The farming sector is ripe with opportunities and continues to grow in its capacity to withstand changing weather, due to better capabilities, better technology, and improved grower access to information. 

The federal government’s announcement of a further $38 million investment in agricultural research and development for weather and drought resilience research projects is welcome. Ensuring this research reaches growers and becomes applied on-farm is a critical step. It’s a role that Elders help to fill through our technical services network, our own RD&E division, and through mediums like Seasons Magazine, to provide useful information to maximise the seasons, no matter the weather.  Wishing you a productive spring.