RIRDC - Research Compendium 1993

Rural Industries
Research & Development Corporation

Research Compendium 1993 - 1994

Research Project

RAINMAN: RAINFALL INFORMATION FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES

Objective

To produce a computer package (RAINMAN version 2.0) for extending better information on rainfall probabilities to primary producers, their advisers, and agribusiness agencies throughout Australia. At appropriate locations, particular attention will be given to change in rainfall probabilities caused by influences such as the El Nino/Southern Oscillation phenomenon.

Background

Primary producers lack easy access and analysis to long-term climatic records. As a result, their expectations of rainfall are often biased by recent experience. In areas where there is rapid turnover of farm ownership, new owners lack long-term experience of the environment and may attempt inappropriate management practices.

Research

Steps taken in the development of RAINMAN included:

consulting clients on product design and screen presentation;
selecting locations with at least 80 years of rainfall records;
checking the accuracy and continuity of long-term daily rainfall records and using nearest-neighbour techniques to replace missing values;
developing innovative climate analyses; and
preparing context-sensitive help notes.

Outcome

The software package was launched by the Minister for Primary Industries and Energy in October 1994. The software includes a variety of tables, graphs and maps of rainfall information that highlight climatic risks and opportunities, including the changes in risks associated with the El Nino/Southern Oscillation.

Implications

Use of AUSTRALIAN RAINMAN should improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of Australia's rural industries by providing a high quality and easily accessible database of rainfall with comprehensive analyses.

RIRDC Project No: DAQ-141A

RESEARCHER: Dr J.F. Clewett

ORGANISATION: Queensland Department of Primary Industries

Pasture Management Branch

GPO Box 46

BRISBANE Qld 4001

PHONE: 07 239 3317

FAX: 07 221 3896

(*This project was jointly funded by RIRDC, QDPI, the Bureau of Meteorology, WA Dept of Agriculture and the Meat Research Corporation).