Reading climate drivers for irrigation decisions

2 June 2023

Irrigators and service providers interested in being better prepared for upcoming climate and weather conditions are encouraged to join two Agriculture Victoria irrigation webinars on Wednesdays 14 and 21 June.

Agriculture Victoria, Technical Specialist Rob O’Connor said the webinars have been designed to assist irrigators to better manage variable water supplies and seasonal climate risk.

‘The webinars will focus on how to read and use climate driver information, outlooks, forecasts, and climate tools. This knowledge will help with earlier and more informed farm management decision making.

‘The first webinar - How to read climate drivers, is on Wednesday 14 June, from 1 – 2 pm. It provides an overview of the different climate drivers, climate driver cycles, and associated seasonal and regional impacts.

‘Monitoring and using signature climate driver behaviour as an early indicator of dry, wet, or extreme seasonal conditions, will also be discussed,’ Mr O’Connor said.

The second webinar - Using climate outlooks, forecasts and tools, will run on Wednesday 21 June, from 1 – 2 pm.

Mr O’Connor said this webinar will cover how to use the climate outlook in combination with climate driver behaviour, forecasts, and climate tools, to better manage farm climate risk.

‘Links with climate drivers, outlooks, water availability, and the water market will also be discussed, along with the current climate outlook.’

Agriculture Victoria’s Dale Grey, Seasonal Risk Agronomist and renowned speaker, author, and analyst, will present both webinars. Dale is well-known for his informative and entertaining delivery style with an accomplished record of building climate knowledge in the farming community.

You can now register for either or both webinars.

After registering, be sure to save the confirmation email containing important information about joining the webinar, including a password.

For more information, please call Rob O’Connor on 0408 515 652.

These webinars are brought to you by the Sustainable Irrigation Program, a partnership between the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Change (DEECA), catchment management authorities, rural water corporations, and irrigators.

Media contact: Melanie Curtis

Phone: 0402 001 853