April NEWSLETTER
In this edition:
Changing Seasons
Autumn Rainfall Forecasts
Climate Outlook
From a Farmer: Finding Resilience in Drought
Carbon Farming Advice Rebate
Subsidies
Conversations from the Ag Innovation Expo
What’s New on the Portal
Registrations are currently open for the Resilient Farming Tas (RFT) program. We provide farmers one-on-one coaching to help address the to-do list, bring fresh ideas and discussions to farm decision makers and assist in targeting risks to resilience and identifying potential opportunities for their farm. Through coaching, learning events and the online platform farmers are further developing their decision making and risk assessment skills, in addition to the topics they choose to work on.
To learn more about the program and sign up head to our website.
changing seasons
Waiting for the Autumn Break: Seasons, Shifts, and Support
Autumn has arrived, painting the landscape in rich reds, warm yellows, and earthy browns. There's a crunch underfoot in some areas and that crispness in the air that hints at change. But for many farmers, the season's most anticipated change - the Autumn break - is still missing in action. Will it come late... or skip us entirely this year?
Uncertainty like this is becoming the new normal. Changing seasonal patterns make it harder to plan and predict. And there is a lot happening to support farmers to work on the things that make sense for them.
That’s why we’re thrilled to see Sophie Folder as the new Drought Resilience Officer with TasFarmers. Sophie brings fresh energy and dedication to helping farming families identify their resilience risks and take practical steps toward a more secure future. She joins Tas Loane working in this space on King Island.
And our coaches? They’re ready to hit the road - rain, hail or shine - to work with you, one-on-one, in your own time and on your own farm.
Register now - it only takes five minutes - and we’ll be there when you have a moment to spare this Autumn (or Winter!). Because while the seasons may be changing, one thing remains constant: our commitment to helping you adapt, prepare, and thrive.
autumn rainfall
Tasmanian Farmers Face Warmer Autumn with Typical Rainfall Outlook
The Bureau of Meteorology's latest long-range forecast for Autumn 2025 (May to July) indicates that Tasmania is likely to experience rainfall within the typical range for this period. Western regions can expect between 400 and 800 mm, while eastern areas may receive between 100 and 300 mm.
Despite the average rainfall forecast, temperatures are projected to be warmer than usual across the state. This trend may lead to increased evaporation rates, potentially affecting soil moisture levels and water availability for crops.
In March 2025, rainfall totals were below average to very much below average across most of Tasmania, with near-average conditions in parts of the northeast. This recent dryness underscores the importance of efficient water management practices.
What this means for Agricultural Regions:
Northwest and West Coast: These areas, typically receiving higher rainfall, should monitor soil moisture levels closely due to the anticipated warmer temperatures.
Midlands and East Coast: With lower expected rainfall and higher temperatures, farmers may need to implement water conservation strategies to maintain crop yields.
Northeast: Given the recent near-average rainfall, this region may have a slight advantage but should remain vigilant in monitoring weather patterns.
Farmers across Tasmania are advised to stay informed through the Bureau's updates and consider adaptive measures to mitigate the potential impacts of a warmer autumn season. Early planning and adaptive farm management will be key to maintaining productivity throughout the season.
climate outlook
Climate Outlook Explainer
In October last year, Luke Johnston (Bureau of Meterology) and Dr Tom Remenyi (Acclimatised Pty Ltd) hosted a RFT webinar talking about the difference between climate projections and forecasting. The webinar is available on our RFT Resource Portal and below if you would like to view this.
During the webinar, Luke referred us across to the Climate Outlook Explainer.
Luke notes that the Climate Outlook can provide farmers with a heads-up on what the weather might be like over the coming weeks and months. ‘We're not talking about your daily weather forecast—this is more about trends. Are we expecting wetter or drier conditions than usual? Warmer or cooler? That kind of thing’.
Both Tom and Luke indicated that there is a lot of scientific data, like sea temperatures, wind patterns, and pressure systems, that provide a picture of what’s likely.
After spending time with Luke and Tom, a few participants felt like they had seen the science ‘behind a crystal ball’ - powered by real-time climate models and data!
Here’s what Climate Outlook can do for you:
Farmers can use the outlook to decide when to sow or harvest, plan irrigation, or choose crop types suited to the expected conditions.
Land managers might use it to prepare for bushfire risk or plan controlled burns.
Water managers can use it to forecast dam levels and water availability.
And even event organisers, councils, or tourism operators can use the info to help with planning and risk management.
It’s not a guarantee—just like a weather forecast, there’s always a bit of uncertainty. But it’s a valuable resource to use. This webinar recording and fifteen others are available to participants on our RFT Resource Portal if you would like to learn more.
from a farmer
Finding Resilience in Drought: A Farmer’s Perspective
The farming community on Flinders Island has felt the change in seasonal conditions - hard. Drought conditions set in last year, making life tougher for those who call this beautiful island home. Coming together, a group of farmers navigated these challenges with a little help from the Resilient Farming TAS (RFT) program.
Mandy and Mark Wales of Alloura Angus Stud purchased their Flinders Island farm about 7 years ago, to complement their cattle genetics operation at Yass NSW which they run together with their teenage children, Lachie and Annabel. Farming in the Yass Valley of NSW is known for its livestock production, and a more variable climate with distinct seasons. While Flinders Island, being coastal, normally has a milder more maritime climate with less seasonal variation.
With pastures drying up and water becoming increasingly scarce, farmers on the Island were forced to adapt. Mark and Mandy joined the program and felt that the program’s focus on helping farmers assess their risks and develop action-based plans to tackle issues like pasture management, soil health, and water management, would be of value. They had experienced protracted droughts in NSW over the last couple of decades, but the island location added additional challenges associated with access to, and the cost of shipping livestock out, and fodder in.
‘The program provides individualised support to identify business and farm priorities, and to analyse risks including those relating to climate, pastures, water, labour supply and safety, animal health and supply chain issues such as shipping, and costs and availability of fodder’ said Mandy.
‘Our Program helps farmers to work ON their farming business – helping to identify gaps in current plans and build on the opportunities available to them. It’s different for every farmer and their situation – even on an Island like Flinders where all farmers are impacted’, said Isabel, one of our RFT coaches. ‘Despite the uncertainty of future conditions, the program helps farmers to think about how prepared they are.’
For Mandy and Mark, their expansion in Tasmania was intended to improve the climate resilience of their grass-fed beef cattle enterprise, and expand the market reach for their Angus Stud which produces functional, moderate, high marbling cattle that are well suited to the Tasmanian environment. ‘This program supported us to critically examine a diverse range of risks and to prioritise actions and investments likely to have the most impact to strengthen our business, and to meet our key goals of breeding outstanding beef genetics whilst balancing farm productivity and environmental outcomes, and upholding good animal welfare credentials. Whilst we had existing business plans, it was useful to critically examine which risks we could mitigate or at least buffer with a targeted approach (and those over which we have much less control or ability to influence – like the weather!).
If you would like to read the full story, grab a copy of the most recent edition of TasFarmer ‘Farming’ magazine.
carbon advice rebate
Tasmania’s Carbon Farming Advice Rebate Program
NRE’s Tasmania’s Carbon Farming Advice Rebate Program supports landholders to access expert advice to explore carbon farming opportunities and assess whether participating in a carbon project is right for their business. ‘Carbon farming’ refers to land management activities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe) from agricultural practices
If you’re considering adopting new practices or technologies on farm to reduce emissions or sequester carbon, primary producers can access a rebate of up to $10,000 (ex-GST) for advice from their list of Approved Advisors.
You might have identified an opportunity in your Farm Business Resilience Plan, discussed potential ideas with your RFT coach or been inspired by recent workshops to investigate carbon farming practices. Several of our coaches are also Approved Advisors for the Carbon Farming Advice Rebate Program, you can choose to continue working with one of them or review the options on their website.
These activities may provide carbon credits through voluntary carbon credit schemes such as the Australian Government’s Emissions Reduction Fund and could form part of a marketing and business plan to highlight environmental choices made on your farm.
For more information head here, and you can subscribe to their newsletter here.
subsidies
Subsidies to help you
Farm Household Allowance is a payment for farmers and the partners of farmers who are in financial hardship. Your Farm Household Case Officer will guide and support you, and will work with you to develop a Financial Improvement Agreement. They can provide $10,000 for you to use to pay for activities in your agreement, such as professional advice, training or upskilling to increase your income. This can be about improving your farm operation, diversifying, developing off-farm skills and can cover your $500 (ex-GST) contribution to the Resilient Farming Tas program. For more information call their farmer assistance hotline on 132 316 or visit their website.
Beekeepers registered with Biosecurity Tas and registered for GST are eligible to receive the National Varroa Mite Management Program subsidy to cover their contribution to the Resilient Farming Tas program. In addition to building your own business resilience plan and skills, through the program you may meet farmers looking for pollination services and potential suppliers. Contact Prue to discuss; 0477 182 408 or prudencer@rmcg.com.au.
ag innovation expo
Conversations from the Ag Innovation Expo
RFT Coaches Jake, Sam, Prue and Doris attended the Ag Innovation Expo held in Hagley this week. The event showcased a variety of innovation solutions for the agricultural industry, including presentations and time for conversations.
Several RFT participants chatted with us, noting how they’ve really valued RFT’s one-on-one coaching for working through the tricky conversations, especially with a few family members at the table or when trying to work out what to prioritise.
They also highlighted that they see innovation and being open to new ideas as potential solutions to address increased farm costs - like labour and inputs. “Events like these provide time for farmers and industry staff to build relationships and ideas.”
You'll also find us at Agfest in the TasFarmer/Rural Business Tas tent - check out our socials Facebook and LinkedIn after Easter for more info.
Wishing you a happy and safe Easter; whether than means more time for family and community, indulging in chocolate or getting away for a few days - we hope you have a great time; stay safe and reach out to us if you have any questions or thoughts to share; cassiet@rmcg.com.au or 0428 805 761.
new on the portal
New on the Resource Portal
Participants of the Resilient Farming Tas Program can access our online classroom of resources collated by our expert coaches. With more than 40 topics relevant to Tasmanian farms the resources provide practical guidance and tools to support your farm's resilience and success.
Some recent additions include "New Entrants Guide" to Workplace Induction, "Tasmanian Agriculture Technology Guide May 2024" to Technology and Innovation, and a new module - "Nutrient management guide" by Dr Doris Blaesing.
You can also use our YouTube playlists to watch one complete topic at a time - e.g. "effective communication". Reach out to your coach if you need assistance accessing the portal.
If you’re looking for something on the portal and need a hand - ask your coach, or check out this useful video:
The Farm Business Resilience Program is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Tasmanian Government’s Rural Business Resilience Package.