Rain in the Maranoa region boosts optimism for graziers

A summer of soaking rain has boosted optimism for primary producers in the Maranoa region, with one grazier declaring it has been ‘one of the best summers we’ve had out here’.

Farmers across South West Queensland an exceptional rain season in the region. Photo: Louise Wilson.

Farmers in the state’s South West are revelling after what they say was the best rain they’ve seen in more than 50 years.

Injune graziers Ross and Julie-Marie Guthrie are one of the many primary producers celebrating the rainfall.

“It’s been unbelievable rain,” Mr Guthrie said.

“We just had that nice soaking rain - probably the best rain I’ve seen in a long long time.

“We’ve been here for 70 years, and I haven’t seen that kind of rain since the ‘70s.”

Mr Guthrie said this summer has seen exceptional rain for the region, with Mr Guthrie recording more than 700mm since December.

“It’s been one of the best summers we’ve had out here,” Mr Guthrie said.

“I can’t believe we’ve had that much. It really makes you feel happy. It’s bloody exciting.”

Mr Guthrie said he was expecting the rain to set their property up to prosper throughout the winter.

Cattle Australia chief executive Dr Chris Parker emphasised that the rainfall over the summer season has boosted confidence in the grazing industry.

“Many beef producers have enjoyed good summer rainfall, which has set them up with a solid body of feed to begin the year,” Dr Parker said.

“The recently-released Beef Producers Intentions Survey has indicated there is a strong sentiment of positivity among producers about the future of the Australia beef industry over the next 12 months, and any favourable weather conditions are only going to boost this optimism.

“Confidence has returned to the industry, and producers with grass that needs to be eaten will bring competition to the market.

“Strong global beef demand, coupled with a shortage of product in the US, also puts Australian beef producers in a good position.”

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the rain is due to a trough over parts of Queensland.

“A trough remains slow moving over parts of western and interior Queensland, drawing tropical moisture southward, enhancing rainfall in its vicinity and leading to significantly cooler day time maximums due to extensive cloud cover,” a BOM spokeswoman said.

“This trough will drift a little eastward through the early days of this week, before shifting back westward later in the week.”

To 9am this morning, the following measurements have been recorded:

The Bureau said while rain may continue over the next few days, the heaviest rain later this week will likely fall further west.

“Rain and showers (are) still possible across the next couple of days, although totals (are) likely to be less than those above,” the BOM spokeswoman said.

“From Friday and over the weekend, the focus of heavy rainfall is more likely to occur out towards Charleville and further west into the Channel Country.”

All this, in perfect timing for the sun to peak through for Roma’s Easter in the Country, and ensuring all visitors to the region will be able to travel safely.

Originally published as Rain in the Maranoa region boosts optimism for graziers