It is official, Australia is about to enter its third consecutive La Nina event.
What does this mean? Put simply, La Nina means we should expect above average rainfall across Australia, particularly in the northern and eastern states during spring and summer.
While this is welcome news for many producers who have missed out on recent falls, there are concerns around what this will mean for those recovering from earlier floods, as well as accessibility and harvestability of cropping areas. While we can’t change the weather, there are ways we can equip ourselves and be prepared to the best of our abilities.
Despite La Nina meaning we will see an increase in rainfall, water monitoring and management plans must still be a priority for farmers. While there are a multitude of reasons why water should be at the forefront of mind in all seasons, we have narrowed it down to two wide umbrellas:
1. We don’t have a crystal ball
2. You can’t manage what you don’t measure
We don’t have a crystal ball
You know what they say, you wouldn’t bet your paycheck on the weather forecast, and the predictions following La Nina are much the same. Traditionally La Nina events are short term trends. For example, the most recently announced event is only expected to last until the end of the summer months. After that there is no telling what the climate will do.
With increasingly volatile climatic cycles and unpredictable weather events becoming more frequent, it would be ludicrous to not prepare for whatever mother nature throws at us next. With the pressure somewhat taken off with these steady rainfall predictions, now is the perfect time to ensure you have strategies in place for when we don’t have such a luxury. By installing Farmbot water monitoring during the wetter months, you will have added freedom to explore the capabilities of the technology. Whether it’s setting up customisable alert triggers, adding team members or tinkering with therepoting functionalities, by delving into the features on MyFarmbot you can have confidence in the tech once the dryer times inevitably return.
You can’t manage what you don’t measure
It’s a mantra followed by agritechs everywhere. The power of monitoring, measuring and reporting of on-farm assets cannot be overstated. So even while soils are saturated, tanks are full and rivers are flowing, it is important to monitor what is going across your operation. Having reliable reports and information helps inform short term decisions and future planning. It is even more valuable when combined with rainfall, pasture growth levels and soil readings. This real-world information can help you to holistically understand what is going on at a paddock level, driving better decisions.
By having monitoring in place, even in a wet season, you can quickly identify and isolate issues. Being able to fix potential faults in good time will ensure this valuable water is not wasted, and can be effectively called upon and utilised when needed.
So whilst we should enjoy and relish the prospects of another above average rainfall season, we must ensure we are using this time wisely, to carefully manage what we have, and prepare for the future.
