Australia: Welcome rain through the heart of Darling Downs

Southern Queensland grain farmers have welcomed timely soaking rains as the focus turns to the 2021 winter crop plantings. Last week's unsettled weather provided the ideal start to autumn with general falls of 15mm to upwards of 60mm across cropping areas across the Darling Downs and eastern Maranoa. Some of the heaviest rain fell through the heart of the Darling Downs, areas which missed out on most of the summer rains. There was a general 20mm to 40mm across Oakey, Dalby, Macalister, and Jandowae with isolated falls of more than 60mm in some parts. The southern Downs received similar falls with Warwick and Stanthorpe receiving 20mm to 30mm for the week. Rainfall totals were patchier to the west ranging from 15mm at Miles to more than 70mm around Hannaford. Roma and Surat received 30mm to 40mm for the week while totals around Goondiwindi ranged between 20mm to more than 60mm to the west. Farmers are already making the most of the rain with preparations for the 2021 winter crop ...