Australia: Climate change already altering farm practices

More than 65pc of Australian agricultural businesses say they have perceived a change in the climate and 62pc say the change is affecting their operations, according to new figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

But approximately half (49.5pc) of the agricultural businesses reported a change in the management practices on their holding in response to perceived changes in climate.
The most commonly reported perceived change in climate affecting the holding was a change in rainfall patterns (92.1pc), followed by more extreme weather events (74.2pc) and warmer temperatures (49.6pc).

The most commonly reported impact to the holding was a decreased level of production (88.8pc), followed by an increased frequency or extent of pests, weeds or disease (55.5pc).

In contrast, a small number of agricultural businesses reported a decreased frequency or extent of pests, weeds or disease (19.5pc) and an increased level of production (15.2pc).

Farm Online