Fed: 75 per cent of farmers faced driest weather in century

00-00-0000
Fed: 75 per cent of farmers faced driest weather in century

The national forecaster says three-quarters of the nation's farmers have faced theirdriest year in almost a century.

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) says in most casesfarmers have recorded some of the lowest rainfall figures on record.

The bureau says in its latest crops forecast the rankings indicate rainfall receivedthis year in around 75 per cent of the mainland crop growing regions ranks in the bottom10 per cent of observations.

It says the states with the most serious rainfall deficiency this year are New SouthWales followed by Victoria.

ABARE says in most regions, crop development is also hindered by low subsoil moisture,particularly in the northern crop areas.

Statistically, it says the worst hit area is the upper north region of South Australiawhich has had its driest year on record.

It says there's little chance of good rains for summer crops, while the low rainfallalready means irrigation water will be scarce for crops such as cotton and rice.

AAP RTV sw/rsm

KEYWORD: CROPS RAIN (CANBERRA)