November 6, 2019

Australia's farmers celebrate heavy rains in the east coast after three year drought

Experts say heavy downpour will be good for cattle and livestock but possibly too late for this year's grain harvest to start in weeks, reported Independent.

The heavy rains are relieving the poor conditions that have affected southeast Australia for the last three years, which have left farmers suffering from economic losses.

Ranchers had to purchase expensive feed grains to sustain herds as pastures became more parched and browner. In addition, forest fires in east Australia have occurred more frequently in wildlife habitats due to the drought, with fish dying due to rivers drying up.

However, experts said for the drought to truly be relieved, more rainfall is required to save the grain harvest this year – though current water supplies should be sufficient for livestock. 

Michael McCormack, Australia Deputy Prime Minister said the drought's impact will last for years.

In Australia's major agricultural region of the Murray-Darling Basin, average rainfall has been the lowest on record, at 887mm in the 34 months to the end of October 2019.

-  Independent