Australia - Third wet summer would be ‘devastating’ says farmer

15.09.2022 725 views

Farmers and regional communities are bracing for yet another soaking with the Bureau of Meteorology confirming another summer of La Nina.

Northern Rivers farmer Neil Baker said he and his neighbours were still mopping up the mess from torrential rains earlier in the year, which had devastated Lismore and surrounding areas.

“We can’t believe it frankly, you just wonder where all the water’s going to go,” Mr Baker said.

“One of my neighbours got 1300mm of rain in 36 hours back at the end of February – that’s almost a whole year in a day-and-a-half – and the ground is still just absolutely soaked.

“People are trying to rebuild and get back on top of things, but another huge rain would just be devastating for us.”

NSW Farmers Business, Economics and Trade committee chair John Lowe said another La Nina was a serious threat to farmers and regional communities.

“People just haven’t had time to prepare for more rain because it has been so wet already,” Mr Lowe said.

“While output for agriculture has been at record levels because of all the moisture, in some places it will actually be stopping people from getting onto paddocks to harvest their crops.

“Catchments are so full that there will be a chance of major floods if we get too much rain in the wrong place, we’re just going to have to prepare the best we can and hope for the best.”

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com

04.06.2026

India - Delhi raises crop damage compensation after 10 years by over 50% to Rs 75,000 per hectare

In a major relief for farmers, the Delhi government has increased compensation for crop loss caused by rain and hailstorms from Rs 20,000 per acre to Rs 75,000 per hectare.

04.06.2026

Why Tech-Driven Agro-Insurance Has Stumbled in Ethiopia

For decades, Ethiopia’s agricultural sector has remained trapped in a dangerous paradox. 

04.06.2026

UK - Rural crime cost Wales £2.2m last year despite fall in offences

Rural crime cost Wales an estimated £2.2 million last year, with organised criminals continuing to target tractors, livestock and farming equipment despite an overall fall in offences, according to a new report.

04.06.2026

Kenyan Agro-Insurance Startup, Pula Raises US$ 20 Million in Series B Round

Pula, a Kenyan startup that offers insurance to small-scale farmers, aims to serve more than 100 million farmers in Africa after raising US$ 20 million in its Series B round. 

04.06.2026

USA - USDA announces $52M to boost public access to private lands for hunting, fishing

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is announcing $52 million to help state and tribal governments encourage private landowners to allow public access to their land for hunting, fishing and other wildlife-dependent recreation through the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP). 

04.06.2026

Hope Grows in Malawi’s Grain Stores as Farmers Battle Post-Harvest Losses

Some grain rots in poorly ventilated storage. Some is eaten by pests. Some is damaged during drying or transportation before it ever reaches the market.

03.06.2026

Canada - AFSC extends several northern Alberta seeding dates for 2026

Alberta’s Agriculture Financial Services Corp. (AFSC) is extending the recommended seeding dates in the province’s northeast, northwest and Peace regions for several crops for the 2026 growing season only.

03.06.2026

India - Elephants run amok in Konaje agricultural farm, cause massive crop damage

A herd of elephants, including calves, wreaked havoc on an agricultural farm belonging to Yashodhara Gowda at Pallattadka in Konaje village of Kadaba taluk.