Severe Weather Strikes South Australian Crops Ahead of Record-Breaking Harvest

Severe weather has struck parts of South Australia, causing damage to crops and property just as farmers were preparing for a record-breaking harvest. Heavy rain and hail fell in a matter of minutes, affecting areas east of Adelaide and in the Mallee region.

At Kamora Park Poll Merino Station in Sandalwood, about 175 kilometres east of Adelaide, approximately 30 millimetres of rain fell in just 10 minutes. The station was also hit by hail that stripped some crops to stalks.

"We had a pretty excellent lupin crop right where it's come through on the corner of our property, and we're not sure, but we suspect at least 50 per cent or more might be damaged," stud principal Katelyn Boughen said.

"We've probably been trying to grow these lupins for about three years now to save us a bit of money."

Ms Boughen described the hail as being up to a centimetre in diameter and resembling snow. "We were out and about near the sheds and as soon as it hit the tin roof it almost sounded like little gunshots, just pinging," she said.

The intense storms also affected Lameroo in the Mallee, with locals reporting 35mm of rain and hail falling within an hour, flooding the main street. Residents reported 20mm in Halidon and 16mm in Loxton.

The Bureau of Meteorology said western parts of the Riverland, parts of the Mid North, Murraylands and North East Pastoral District were most affected, with 22mm of rain at Ponderosa, 16mm at Mount Mary and 13mm at Bakara Well.

Disappointment for farmers

Years of drought were broken this year with above-average rainfall in many parts of the state. It has boosted crops and spirits, with a record-breaking harvest expected for this year. But the flash of severe weather has brought disappointment for some.

"We're at the mercy of Mother Nature, and every year I think there's probably something different to handle, but I guess that's the challenge of what we choose to do," Ms Boughen said.

Katelyn Boughen says the area normally does not get enough rainfall, so the downpour was shocking.

Ms Boughen's aunty, Anne Boughen, estimated about a quarter of the crop, around 400 hectares, at Kamora Park was lost in the weather event.

"There were huge gutters washed in the paddocks, and it's not only the crops that have been damaged, but the much-needed sheep feeders also smashed," she said.

"The trees are stripped, and there were leaves all over the road, along with the hail and the steam coming up off the road as well."

"I've never, ever seen anything like it before."