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Mixed Agricultural Impacts Reported Across Australia Following Widespread Rainfall Events

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Widespread Rain Brings Mixed Fortunes for Australian Farmers

Drought relief for some, devastating floods for others — a series of rainfall events across multiple Australian states has produced sharply contrasting outcomes for agricultural producers, with some regions welcoming much-needed moisture while others contend with livestock losses, crop damage, and flooding.

Rainfall Patterns and Regional Variations

Widespread rainfall has been recorded across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia, with totals varying significantly by location.

New South Wales

A tropical low-pressure system delivered heavy rain to drought-affected southern and central areas. The Bureau of Meteorology reported daily May records of 61mm in Eumungerie and 59.4mm in Dubbo.

Other totals include:

  • 110mm at Moulamein
  • Over 145mm at Bribbaree
  • 100mm at Cowra
  • 74mm between Temora and Young
  • 42mm at Junee
  • Condobolin recorded over 21mm, West Wyalong 28mm, and Forbes 34mm

Victoria

Horsham received 126mm between Friday and Sunday mornings. Mildura recorded its wettest March day on record with 65.8mm.

In the Victorian high country, Stuart Pendergast reported 65mm over four days. Russell Heard in the southern Wimmera reported 67mm. Near Mildura, 150mm of rain fell.

A severe weather warning remained in effect for the Mallee, Northern Country, Wimmera, and parts of Central, South West, North Central, and North East Victoria, with forecast additional rainfall of 25-60mm for the Mallee and Wimmera.

Queensland

Taroom recorded 207mm between Friday and Monday. Areas around Mitchell and Injune received over 60mm.

Southern Queensland totals included:

  • Surat with 36mm
  • St George 31mm
  • Dirranbandi 11mm
  • Thargomindah received 115-144mm within a three-hour period

The Stinson property near Roma recorded 370mm of rain in 2025, below its annual average of 520mm.

South Australia

Sam May in the Mallee region reported 230mm of rain since January 2025. Lia Rover near Paringa reported 155mm in 2025.

Brian Lynch, senior agronomist at Elders Loxton, stated that rainfall from January to mid-May 2025 exceeded the total for all of 2024.

Livestock Impacts

North-West Queensland Flooding

Widespread flooding in north-west Queensland has resulted in extensive livestock losses. The Department of Primary Industries reported 29,240 head of livestock dead or missing as of Wednesday evening. An industry analyst projected this figure could reach up to 50,000. Richmond shire mayor John Wharton indicated potential losses could approach 100,000 head.

Property-Specific Reports:

  • Emily Stevens at Cremona Station, approximately 70km north of Julia Creek, reported finding about 1,500 deceased cattle. The property received 742mm between December 18 and January 7. Stevens stated 80 percent of her property is either submerged or inaccessible.

  • Jaye Hall at Caiwarra Station, 45km north-west of Julia Creek, reported cattle affected by "black soil bacteria" from prolonged mud and water exposure. Large flooded channels persist across the 45,000-hectare property.

  • Guy Keats reported substantial losses of calves on the black soil plains around Julia Creek due to prolonged standing in floodwaters.

  • Angus Propsting, operating approximately 40km north-east of Richmond, observed cattle not drinking from available water bodies and unwilling to traverse submerged areas to access feed.

Recovery operations have commenced, with graziers attempting to guide cattle to fodder and water troughs. Some animals are reported unresponsive to typical herding methods. Assessing total impact is expected to take up to five months. Cattle displaced by floodwaters have been observed on outback highways.

The current event occurs less than seven years after a 2019 flood that resulted in the loss of over 600,000 cattle across outback Queensland.

New South Wales

Drought conditions in NSW led to record destocking prior to the rainfall. Tom Tourle in the Central West worked until 2am sowing crops before 100mm fell at his Toongi property.

In the Upper Hunter, cattle farmer Anto White sent a third truckload of cattle to saleyards due to drought conditions and has been hand-feeding cattle daily. White stated, "Our dams are low, our creeks aren't running."

South Australia

Lia Rover reported locusts had damaged over 200 hectares of feed crops within a week. Sand drift on sandy hills has required repeated grading. Brian Lynch noted that low-level locust egg laying has been detected and requires monitoring into spring.

Crop and Horticultural Impacts

Positive Outcomes

  • Dryland farmers in the Mallee and Wimmera regions of Victoria reported beneficial moisture for crop growth.
  • The Stinson property near Roma reported that bare paddocks could now be rested and winter oats planted.
  • China Gibson, a Moulamein farmer, noted a boost to pasture growth for sheep.
  • Peter Morphett stated that rain exceeding 50mm would initiate germination and promote winter growth for clovers and perennial bushes.
  • Linda Yerbury, between Temora and Young, expressed optimism for planting crops.
  • Brett Treasure in Cowra plans to move sheep from feedlots to paddocks and sow oats, barley, and grazing brassica.

Negative Outcomes

  • Dried fruit growers near Mildura are monitoring grapes for rot. Mark King, chair of Dried Fruits Australia, stated that excessive moisture can cause grapes to split and rot.
  • The almond harvest in the Sunraysia and Riverland regions (South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales) has been halted. Australian Almond Board chief executive Tim Jackson stated harvesting, which had "barely" begun, is expected to resume after excess water dissipates.
  • Late-season peach crops in northern Victoria, particularly around Cobram, may be affected by brown rot. Michael Crisera, Fruit Growers Victoria industry development officer, noted potential crop loss of 20-30 percent.
  • Citrus growers north of Mildura expressed concerns regarding potential increases in fruit fly activity due to humid conditions.
  • Rodney Guest in Griffith sowed a crop after a forecast of 30mm, but no rain fell, leaving him concerned for the crop's survival.

Operational Disruptions

Victoria

Heavy rain and thunderstorms caused power outages. In Dimboola, a restaurant experienced complete power failure during dinner service. Staff utilized alternative lighting and improvised cooking methods.

The 150km Feast culinary event in Horsham was significantly affected by flooding. The venue, a stable converted for dinner, flooded twice over the weekend with water reaching ankle-deep levels, necessitating the evacuation of approximately 110 guests. Volunteers assisted in mitigation efforts.

Future Weather Outlook

The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated a moderate chance of a tropical low forming in the Coral Sea, which could bring further rainfall and flooding to the Gulf of Carpentaria region. The system is predicted to bring significant inland rainfall over the upcoming weekend.

The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts a tropical low in the Coral Sea is expected to move towards the north-east coast in the coming days, with a potential to develop into a cyclone.

Concerns have been raised by graziers, including Guy Keats, that renewed heavy rainfall on already saturated catchments could lead to further extensive flooding.

The wet season in north-west Queensland is still in its early stages, suggesting the potential for further weather events.