Farmers have been urged to regularly stop harvesting during extreme heat. Photo: Serafin Ag Pro Facebook.
The Rural Fire Service (RFS) has asked farmers to regularly stop harvesting, but schools are set to remain open as heat wave conditions loom in Griffith, including a forecast maximum of 45 degrees Celsius on Monday (16 December).
RFS Operational Officer Justin MacKellar said from Saturday 14 December through to Tuesday 17 December, farmers should regularly stop harvesting to check the weather conditions against their Grain Harvesting Guide before deciding whether to continue due to the increased risk of fire.
“Using harvesting or farm machinery on days of increased risk can be very dangerous as any sparks in dry crops can start fires that spread very quickly,” he said.
“These fires have the potential to threaten property and also destroy millions of dollars’ worth of crops.
“If conditions fall within the guidelines and harvesting operations are to continue, you should continue to check regularly.”
Officer MacKeller said the RFS used to issue blanket bans on harvesting during extreme hot weather, but that didn’t work in such a large district.
“What’s happening in Griffith is different from Hillston and Hay. We now put the emphasis back on the farmers to decide for themselves whether they need to pull up or not,” he said.
“I’d also mention to people if you use a harvester during the extreme weather, it may well void your insurance if something goes wrong.”
Grain Harvesting Guides are available for farmers at their local Fire Control Centre and online on the RFS website.
Bilbul rice and wheat farmer Nathan Crowley says he has to plan his day carefully during extreme heat.
“I usually get up at 5 am and try to do the bulk of my work in the early morning, and then go and do office work and spend time with my kids when its hottest in the middle of the day and go back out on the farm in late afternoon,” he said.
“It’s tough for farmers as there’s so many variables with the weather. Last year, we had a wet summer, so we couldn’t afford to stop working during the really hot days because we already lost a lot of days due to the rain.”
Farming is a lot more difficult in the extreme heat. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
The heat is expected to continue for the full week, with forecasts of over 35 degrees Celsius each day until Friday 20 December. Other farmers have told Region they will consider rostering staff on for night shifts.
Region asked the NSW Department of Education if there’d be any school closures in the Riverina on Monday and if they had any advice for students given the extreme heat and the fact that some schools did not have fully functioning air-conditioning. The department did not respond before our deadline, but teachers have informed us, at this stage, schools are to remain open. Any changes to this status may be provided on the department’s website.
Catholic primary school St Patrick’s has emailed parents to let them know the school will remain open on Monday, but the school will take precautions, such as keeping the students indoors during the morning tea and lunch breaks.
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