The landscape surrounding the Australian Capital Territory has transformed into a stark vista of parched, brown paddocks, signalling a severe drought that is tightening its grip on the region's agricultural heartland. As summer progresses with little reprieve, farmers east, south, and west of Canberra are confronting one of the most challenging periods in recent memory, compounded by unrelenting winds and unexpected pressures from native wildlife.
The Dry Spell Deepens: Rainfall Records and Farmer Struggles
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the capital region experienced a spring of below average to "very much below average" rainfall between September 1 and November 30. Senior hydrologist Masoud Edraki confirmed that some areas even recorded their lowest rainfall on record for that period. The dry trend has persisted into December, with forecasts for January and February also indicating a tendency for below-average conditions, contrary to typical historical patterns.
For Harry Watson of Millpost Farm near Bungendore, this marks the third difficult year in a row. "We haven't had an inch of rain in three months," Mr Watson reported, highlighting the critical shortage of feed. The family has already sold approximately one-third of their stock to manage the situation on their 1200-hectare property. The cost of supplementary feeding for their remaining sheep is estimated at a staggering $10,000 per month.
Kangaroos and Wind: Compounding the Crisis
Beyond the lack of rain, farmers are grappling with additional, significant pressures. Harry Watson identified a large population of grazing kangaroos as a major drain on their dwindling feed reserves. "It's the roos that are killing us as much as the lack of rain," he stated bluntly. "We'd be fine for grass if it wasn't for the kangaroos."
Further east in Braidwood, Richard Walker of Nutrien Ag described an abrupt end to favourable conditions. After above-average winter rainfall, "the tap turned off" at the end of September. October, November, and December each received half or less than half their average rainfall. Mr Walker also noted an extraordinary climatic factor: "I don't think I've seen the wind be so strong and last for so long. It's been probably the windiest conditions I've seen here in 30 years."
Broader Impacts and Water Supplies
The drought's effects are rippling through the local agricultural economy. Demand for feed has surged unexpectedly into summer, with Mr Walker's business going from selling no hay to moving significant quantities in December. He anticipates demand will increase further in January if rain does not arrive soon.
While urban water supplies remain relatively secure, levels are declining. As of Tuesday, December 23, the ACT's combined water storage was at 93.2 per cent, down from 96.6 per cent in October. The Corin Dam was the lowest at 82.4 per cent capacity.
The Bureau's long-range forecast offers little solace, predicting above average temperatures across Australia for the three months leading to March 2026. For the farmers of the capital region, the immediate future hinges on the skies opening, providing the relief needed to sustain their land and livelihoods through this prolonged dry.
