THE region’s recent hot weather has both aided and hindered local summer crops, such as cotton and sorghum.
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Gunnedah has recently seen a spell of hot dry weather, and The Australian Bureau of Meteorology is predicting more hot weather in the coming days with Sunday and Monday both expected to reach a top temperature of 41 degrees.
Breeza Plains farmer Andrew Pursehouse said recent rain had helped save his summer crops.
“We were probably saved by about 20mm of rain this past weekend,” Mr Pursehouse said.
“It was good rain too it really soaked in but a lot more is needed.”
Mr Pursehouse said despite the warm weather and the lack of consistent rain his crop was “one of the best for some time”.
“It is really going along quite magnificently,” he said.
“The cotton we’ve got is some of the best we’ve had and I suppose that’s due to the sub-soil moisture that we were very lucky to have.”
Mr Pursehouse’s property received below-average rainfall in 2017.
“We ended up being about 15 per cent shy of a normal year,” he said.
“Our total rainfall for the year was about 550mm about 100mm or so short of what we would normally get.”
Mr Pursehouse said more summer rain was needed for his crops to excel.
“This is really the critical point for the crops,” he said.
“I’d say that another 50 to 100mm is needed for the crop in the near future.
“That rain could be the difference between a bumper crop and an average crop.”
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Gunnedah stock agent Scott Cooper said the hot weather was also having affect on local livestock producers.
“The hot weather is certainly taking a toll on livestock,” Mr Cooper said.
“I know farmers who’s dams are running dry and that can lead to any number of issues for livestock.”
The Landmark agent said the conditions are not unfamiliar to local livestock producers.
“The heat is a major concern,” he said.
“In saying that though this weather is not something we haven’t seen around here before.”
Gunnedah Fire and Rescue captain David Welch said there had been few farming-related fires at this stage of summer.
“We have been very lucky so far,” Mr Welch said.
“So far we haven’t had too many major incidents to deal with which is good.”
Mr Welch said local farmers need to stay vigilant throughout the fire season.
“Our local farmers always do a really good job of preparing for fire season,” he said.
“It is important though during these hot months that they continue to do the right things such as allowing fire breaks between crops, cutting tree branches away from power lines and refraining from welding.”
The Gunnedah captain said locals should “always report” any potential fires.
“It is extremely important for people to report anything they think is a fire,” he said.
“Reporting anything that looks like a fire is important as it gives us the chance to deal with it quickly and limit the amount of damage it could do.”