Helping farmers manage climate risks

Imagine farming in Australia's most disaster-prone state as well as managing one of the world's highest variable rainfall areas. This is the daily challenge for Queensland farmers. The Drought and Climate Adaptation Program (DCAP) is helping farmers better manage drought and climate risks through improved seasonal forecast products, tools and on-property activities.

The best climate scientists, government and non-government agencies, farmers and industry leaders are working together on a number of cutting-edge projects targeting the grazing, cropping, sugarcane and horticulture industries.

Program evaluation is demonstrating how farmers are adopting new technologies and practices to improve their management decisions. Queensland farmers are sharing their stories of management changes which show their improved ability to manage climate risks that challenge their business.

This research will help you manage financial risks with your decision-making around droughts and climate variability through improved forecast products, tools and extension activities.

DCAP’s major partners include the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), the Department of Environment and Science (DES), the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).

The Drought and Climate Adaptation Program won a Highly Commended Award at the 2020 Resilient Australia National Award.