RECENT downpours that saw some Riverland properties receive over 60mm of rain during April have been described as a “godsend” by a horticultural industry figure and has renewed confidence of the region’s dryland famers for the coming season.
The Renmark Airport Weather Station recorded 25.6mm of rainfall between Sunday, April 26 and Sunday, May 3, with Loxton receiving 33mm and 30mm falling in Waikerie during the same period.
Bulla Burra Farms director John Gladigau – who is seeding grains and legumes for the upcoming season – said “approximately 65mm” had fallen on his property across the past three weeks.
“It’s probably as good a start to the season that we’ve had for many years,” Mr Gladigau said.
“It certainly gives us a lot of confidence coming out of three years of drought to kickstart a good season.
“But there’s still a long way to go.”
Renmark received a total of 47.4mm of rain last month, compared to 0mm during the same time in 2019.
Growers Services Renmark manager Steve Tamblyn said it was important farmers had a positive start to the season following extended drought conditions.
“It’s definitely a godsend for us after the summer we’ve just been through,” Mr Tamblyn said.
“Some of the broadacre farmers lost everything and now it feels like we’ve had good opening rains. Having rain by Anzac Day is how most broadacre farmers gauge the season.
“They are planting seed like crazy at the moment.”
Mr Tamblyn hoped the rainfall would also see an improvement in water allocation figures for Riverland growers.
“For the horticultural side there are positives,” he said.
“There’s been rain in the catchment areas and with a two per cent water allocation it’s been pretty scary, but the forecast for more rain will help.”
A Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) spokesperson said wind and cold temperatures pushed storm fronts across South Australia last week.
“It was an extreme cold outbreak for this time of year,” the spokesperson said.
“There was a bit of a rainband ahead of the cold fronts, plus behind it as well.
“Then you get a cold atmosphere and the cold air helps push the showers forward.”
BoM advised River-landers low temperatures are expected to continue across the region, however this was unlikely to result in further rainfall.
“It will probably still be dry in the Riverland on Thursday and Friday, but there’s a slight to medium chance of showers on the Saturday,” the spokesperson said.
“Then it’s probably just missing the Riverland on Sunday and Monday.”