July rainfall 32% below average – BOM

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July was fairly dry for the majority of Australia, with the Bureau of Metrology (BOM) reporting that, nationally, rainfall was 32% below average.

This was coupled with a burst of very cold winter temperatures, as several cold fronts crossed south-eastern Australia throughout the month and saw snow fall across the central tablelands and into northern NSW.

Quality declined through eastern states saleyards, as is typical throughout the winter period. However, cattle and sheep prices have continued to go from strength-to-strength across almost all categories, as supply has finally started to show signs of tightening.

• The far western districts of Queensland experienced ‘below average’ rainfall, while central and southern parts were generally in the ‘average’ range
• For the most part, NSW experienced ‘average’ seasonal conditions, although scattered areas did see slighter higher or lower than average July rainfall
• Western Victoria was somewhat drier than average, as was the southern half of Tasmania
• The majority of SA experienced ‘average’ falls, although parts of the Eyrie Peninsula were fairly dry
• In WA, despite some good rain falling across much of the state’s key agricultural regions in the latter part of the month, the south-west still experienced ‘below average’ conditions during July

Despite BOM’s reports of a strengthening El Niño (which could result in a dry finish for the year), some good falls over the past several months has assisted cropping activities in the eastern states. Higher feed availability will assist to underpin already strong prices heading into spring, with positive forward contract prices out for both cattle and young lambs.