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AustraliaCrime11 days ago

Rain has arrived too late for Australian farmers. El Niño could make things worse

Australian farmers are facing challenges due to insufficient rainfall and rising costs linked to the Iran war, which have affected their ability to sow winter crops like wheat. The UN World Meteorological Organization has issued an official warning of an 80% chance of an El Niño event occurring between June and August, which could exacerbate existing difficulties.

An El Niño event is likely in the coming months. Its impact on Australian farmers isn’t certain, but the timing is concerning.

Jun 10, 2026

5 min read

A sheep farmer in Cumnock, central western NSW, April 2026 (Image: AAP/Stephanie Gardiner)

Despite some welcome rain in recent weeks across much of the country, it’s too little, too late for many Australian farmers who have struggled to get winter crops sown, especially wheat. High diesel and fertiliser prices due to the Iran war have squeezed farmers from every direction, and a hot, dry summer has led to a dramatic reduction in soil moisture levels.

This collision of higher prices and a dire weather forecast was laid bare in the UN World Meteorological Organization’s official warning last week about an 80% likelihood of an El Niño event in June-August.

Read the full article at Crikey →
Source document: UN World Meteorological Organization

1 reports

CrikeyIndependentCenter11 days ago
Rain has arrived too late for Australian farmers. El Niño could make things worse

Australian farmers are facing challenges due to insufficient rainfall and rising costs linked to the Iran war, which have affected their ability to sow winter crops like wheat. The UN World Meteorological Organization has issued an official warning of an 80% chance of an El Niño event occurring between June and August, which could exacerbate existing difficulties.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about agricultural challenges, economic pressures, and meteorological forecasts without overtly favoring any political perspective. It cites the UN World Meteorological Organization as an official source and does not employ biased language or selective focus.

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  • government UN World Meteorological Organization

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  • governmentUN World Meteorological Organization