The Overberg region, recently experiencing heavy rainfall with more expected through July, sees a mixed impact on agriculture and water storage. Rojeanne de Wet, representing Agri Western Cape, indicates that the region's fruit producers faced challenges due to the warmer, drier June, as fruit trees require cold conditions for dormancy and subsequent flowering and fruit production.
Despite the delay in winter onset, there's an optimism that irrigation and the absence of water restrictions will mitigate adverse effects on fruit cultivation. The importance of winter precipitation extends beyond immediate agricultural needs, filling major storage ponds for summer use.
Flooding, however, presents significant challenges for canola growers in Overberg, with one Napier district farmer highlighting the detrimental effects on wheat seedlings, which require sunlight, and field access for essential herbicide application. Grain and livestock farmers alike report hardships due to the inclement weather, emphasizing the need for protective measures for lambs against the cold and wet conditions.
Dam levels in the region have risen substantially, with Theewaterskloof Dam at 96.92%, De Bos Dam at 100%, Eikenhof Dam at 104.72%, and Buffeljagsrivier at 101.97%.
Source: news24.com