Farmers everywhere report changing rain and temperature patterns, so planning must adapt.
What to watch
- Rain onset and breaks: late or erratic rains punish early planting.
- Heat at flowering and grain filling.
- Dry spells within the season.
Practical adjustments
- Stagger planting dates across fields to spread risk.
- Choose varieties with suitable maturity: short-season types escape late-season drought, longer ones use good seasons.
- Diversify crops so one weather event does not hit everything.
- Conserve moisture with mulch, residue cover and water harvesting.
- Use forecasts: seasonal outlooks and short-term weather alerts help sowing and irrigation decisions.
Keep records
Your own rain and planting records are the best guide to local patterns. Share information with neighbours and the extension service.
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