Rain Breaks Dry Spell, Queensland Farmers Celebrate

Farmers across Queensland are celebrating a significant end to a long dry spell as rain finally arrives in some of the state’s parched regions. For months, farmers dealt with dust storms and bare paddocks, but recent rainfall provides much-needed relief.

Rain Breaks Dry Spell in Queensland

The Stinson family, cattle producers near Roma in Mount Abundance, are among those who have welcomed the change. After nearly no rain since December, they recorded up to 50 millimeters of rainfall from Friday to Monday. This relief comes after they were forced to sell livestock to manage the stress on depleted pastures.

Impact on Livestock Management

• The Stinsons had begun hand-feeding their cattle due to a lack of grass.
• Historically, the Stinson farm received around 370mm of rain in 2025, significantly lower than the 520mm annual average.
• The 2019 drought prompted them to invest in infrastructure like silos and bunkers for grain storage.

Mr. Stinson expressed satisfaction with the rain, stating, “We’re certainly pleased to see the rain and to see the ground wet.” With the arrival of rain, they intend to rest their paddocks to promote fresh growth and plant winter oats for their calves. However, he estimates that an additional 100mm of rain is necessary for the season to recover fully.

Regional Rainfall Variations

Throughout Queensland, rainfall numbers varied significantly. Communities like Taroom experienced a remarkable 207mm over the same period. Other areas also saw beneficial rains, such as Mitchell and Injune, which received over 60mm. Conversely, southern regions, including Surat and St George, reported much lower totals, with 36mm and 31mm respectively.

Farmers in Thargomindah Experience Relief

In Thargomindah, farmers Anthony and Gerda Glasson also waited anxiously for rain after experiencing record flooding in early 2025. Mr. Glasson reported a massive storm on Thursday, bringing 115mm at their house and 144mm at another gauge within three hours. This rain alleviated some pressure after relentless January heat and drought conditions that threatened their livestock management.

• January’s hot winds significantly dried out the land.
• Keeping livestock watered had become a crucial daily task for the Glassons.

While the recent rainfall has given hope to some farmers, others still face dire conditions. Mr. Glasson acknowledged, “We’ve been one of the lucky ones, but there is still a lot of dry spots out there.” The contrasting rainfall experiences across the state highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Queensland farmers.