Opening the 2011 Agribusiness Crop Updates in Perth today, Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman said the new statistical seasonal forecasting (SSF) system would provide growers with more accurate information about rainfall in the coming season.
The new forecast information will be available on the Department of Agriculture and Food website in April.
“Many farmers endured a tough season last year and I hope 2011 will be one of rebuilding,” Mr Redman said.
“While climate forecasting is not an exact science, forecasts are part of a farmer’s decision-making toolkit when it comes to determining cropping programs and associated risks,” he said.
“The Liberal-National Government is committed to the State’s agricultural sector and assisting industry with the challenges it faces right now.
“It’s also important we all look to the future and keep developing ways to improve our farm businesses.
“I think it is excellent that climate forecasting technology such as this will now be easily accessible to everyone.”
The statistical seasonal forecasting system is designed to be user-friendly and regionally-specific, with a focus on forecasting rainfall in the south-west corner of the State from Kalbarri to Esperance.
Products include maps of forecast rainfall and associated forecast skill maps as well as more detailed plots showing forecast rainfall distributions for particular cells on the 0.5 degree (approximately 50km by 50km) grid. The user can select the type of maps displayed and the range of months of the forecast.
Minister's office - 9213 6700