Farmers around Australia are bracing for another El Niño. At a national drought forum in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia's agricultural leaders are working on plans to help regions cope with a return to dry conditions. Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt said the government would focus on droughts in regard to climate change: "We are entering a period of much drier conditions than what we've seen over the last couple of years. The reality is that farmers and rural communities are on the front line of climate change. Over the last 10 years, the average farm in Australia has lost about 23 per cent of its profit because of the effect of seasonal conditions."
Farmers and industry have worked alongside local governments to develop the plans, which cover community wellbeing, building skills and leadership, making local businesses and economies resilient, landscapes and collaboration.
Source: abc.net.au