Barry James White (21 Sept.1942 – 26 Dec.2018) In December 2018, Queensland and Australia lost one of their most talented agricultural professionals, and a leader in the science of climate change/variability (agroclimatologist). Initially working as a cadet in the soil conservation service of the Queensland Dept. of Agriculture and Stock, Barry initially became interested in […]
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A trend towards lower rainfall, particularly in winter, along with more damaging frosts have become important factors in decision making for Corrigin growers, Simon Wallwork and Cindy Stevens. After observing these trends, they have shifted their focus from productivity to profitability and diversified their business to help reduce risk.   Frost and rainfall trends  Using the Bureau of Meteorology’s Climate Data Online Simon investigated climate trends for their 3,600-hectare Western Australian property and the broader region. While both winter rainfall and the […]
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Managing heat load is a very real problem for dairy cows over the warmer months and can have major implications for both productivity and animal health. High temperatures and humidity make it difficult for cows to cool themselves. As heat stress builds, they stop producing milk and focus on handling the heat. During summer, cows […]
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Predicting temperature extremes and dry conditions over spring and summer is vital for agriculture, water supplies, bushfire risk and human health. But to make accurate predictions the Bureau of Meteorology needs to better understand the climate drivers behind such extremes.   Bureau researchers have recently identified how wind patterns in the stratosphere around Antarctica can drive hot and dry conditions over southern […]
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Agriculture is highly dependent on weather and when extreme events are on their way, Australia’s farming community turns to the Bureau of Meteorology for information. Getting this information far enough ahead can make a big difference in the ability of farmers to reduce risk. With this in mind, the Bureau and a number of research […]
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