Making Money from Moisture

Chris and Sarah Roche Gulargambone, New South Wales 590mm average rainfall 2,400 hectares Producing wheat, lupins, canola, lucerne, merino sheep and fat lambs. Back in 1998-99, Chris and Sarah Roche were using the Southern Oscillation Index in making specific choices about crop rotations, long fallowing versus back-to-back cropping, and nitrogen applications on their mixed cereals and Merino property.

In the following years, when the probability of above average rainfall was 50/50, the Roches focused their efforts on maximising moisture conservation and being ready to take advantage of available moisture.

If Chris is planning to sow in April, he has his machinery ready by mid-March. He has a five-year rotation depending on soil moisture which he measures around March.

And if the Southern Oscillation Index were to swing positive or steadily rise in March or April, Chris would batten down the hatches and prepare for a high rainfall season. But he hasn't seen that since 1999.

Climate Management Tools Used

• Watching the SOI to look for high rainfall indications.
• Understanding rainfallprobabilities through the 'chocolate wheel' approach.
• Conserving available moisture through practices such as zero till.
• Varying crop rotations to account for seasonal conditions.
• Being prepared to act quickly to capitalise on rainfall events rather than working to set schedules.
• Long Paddock and COLA websites for weather and climate information.

Complete 2004 Story (pdf, 79Kb)

Complete 1999 Story