PRACTICAL TOOLS FOR FARMERS IN THE SOUTH EAST TO PREPARE FOR FUTURE DROUGHT AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Two digital tools are delivering Australian farmers the best available climate data to help prepare for future drought and climate change.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the Drought Resilience Self-Assessment Tool (DR.SAT) and the updated Climate Services for Agriculture (CSA) platform are two key investments under the $5 billion Future Drought Fund.
“These tools are about using technology to make climate information more accessible and useful for farmers, industry, and rural and regional communities,” Mr Pasin said.
“We have worked with farmers here in the South East of South Australia to ensure the prototypes provided information which was accessible and useful.” Mr Pasin said.
“We will continue to work with farmers and agribusiness to develop tools that are practical and will make a real difference to rural and regional Australia.” Mr Pasin said.
Mr Pasin said the CSA platform provides farmers with historical climate data, seasonal forecasts, and future climate projections at a 5km2 resolution across the country.
“Climate information for cattle, wheat, sheep, almonds, barley, canola, and lupins is now available.” Mr Pasin said.
“This means that farmers can easily assess how the climate variables that matter to their business could change in future.” Mr Pasin said.
“The DR.SAT is a free tool to help farmers prepare for future drought. Farmers can explore the current and past condition of their property through satellite imagery and complete simple surveys to assess how they are tracking in terms of financial performance and personal wellbeing.” Mr Pasin said.
“The tool also helps farmers understand how their land might be impacted by climate into the future, and then see a tailored set of practical options and resources to manage these impacts.” Mr Pasin said.
See the tools at www.drsat.com.au (DRSAT) and climateservicesforag.indraweb.io (CSA).
To get involved or find out more, visit: www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/drought/future-drought-fund.
ENDS.
