AVERAGE to above average rainfall throughout June across southern Australia has provided most regions with a much needed boost heading into the second half of 2009.
The welcome falls have enhanced the prospects for this year’s winter grain harvest, providing crops with a great start across most regions, while the improved seasonal outlook has also tightened livestock markets.
The above average falls for the month spread from south west Queensland, with Charleville recording more than twice its historical June average with 59mm, right through western and southern NSW and into central Victoria and SA, with Horsham (Vic) registering over 55mm for the second consecutive month.
One of the features of the rain throughout June was that it fell across areas that needed it the most, including the Riverina and south west corner of NSW and Tasmania.
Griffith recorded 75mm for the month (compared to the long term average of 34mm), while falls in Wagga (49mm) and Albury (71mm) were on par with the long term average.
In WA, most of the southern coastal fringe recorded above average falls, while most agricultural regions recorded average falls for the month.
However, the past week did see some further very welcome falls through the central wheatbelt and great southern regions, including 31mm at Corrigan and 50mm at Katanning.
Tasmania also experienced a very wet week, with virtually the entire state recording in excess of 50mm, with some regions recording well over 100mm.