Dry Season Taskforce launched to aid concerned farmers in Western Australia impacted by hotter, drier climates

A new Dry Season Taskforce has been launched by the State Government to aid concerned farmers in Western Australia impacted by hotter, drier climates. The taskforce, in collaboration with the government, will aim to help manage the impacts of dry seasons on regional livestock and horticultural producers. Member for Warren-Blackwood Jane Kelsbie MLA said she understood farmers in the region were facing “very challenging conditions” this season. “Our Government is committed to working closely with the agriculture industry to find ways we can support farmers, and I welcome the announcement of a 2024 Dry Season Taskforce,” she said. “The Taskforce will share information and identify ways the industry, in collaboration with Government, can support farm businesses and rural communities during current dry season challenges which are expected to become the ‘new normal’ due to climate change “These current conditions make it tough, but I want to assure our farmers that we are listening and we’re monitoring the situation very closely, and I’ll continue to advocate for ways we can support our local ag industry. “Since we’ve been elected, the Cook Labor Government has invested millions of dollars to help farmers and regional communities prepare for and manage the impacts of more frequent dry seasons.” The taskforce is set to consider the concerns of famers with access and availability of fodder for livestock, and access and availability of water for livestock and cropping operations. It will also look at an extension and adoption of drought resilient practices across different farming systems. The 2024 Dry Season Taskforce will also seek opportunities for collaboration and co-ordination of industry, local and State Government activities. Agriculture and food minister Jackie Jarvis said the coming autumn was already proving to be hotter and drier than previous years, with some areas having had no real rain since spring last year. “Livestock and horticultural producers are already feeling the brunt of this,” she said, “Climate modelling is indicating we may have a late break to the season across grain growing regions, and I want to ensure Western Australian farmers have all the information they need to support critical on-farm decision making.”