Our Land
Keri-Keri's average annual rainfall in a normal/good year is in the region of 325mm.
However the last few year’s rainfall have only been:
2019 - 165.5mm. View it here.
2018 - 196.0mm. View it here.
This is just one example of dry conditions Keri-Keri has experienced. Another example was 2006, 2007 and 2008:
2006 - 210.5mm
2007 - 271.25mm with 105mm of this falling by March ’07 ] not in the winter growing periods
2008 - 245.75mm with 45mm of this falling in Jan-Mar ’08 ]
View a more normal rainfall chart here (2017).
Like much of Australia, and our entire district, these seasons are part of life on the land. We need to be able to survive well through these dry spells, and so do our livestock as many of Keri-Keri’s clients come from similar harsh environments.
Keri-Keri is 60,000 acres in area and in the summer months is definitely a dry, hot & arid place. Until 2019 it had an intricate channel and dam system to provide stock with their drinking water in a dry, hot & arid climate. Since 2019 a pipeline, tank and trough system has been implemented.
In a drought, dust storms are common.
A dust Storm approaching Keri-Keri homestead.
Our harsh summer climate is the reason we place so much emphasis on survival ability in our sheep. Many of our clients' sheep also have to endure frequent and prolonged drought on isolated outback stations. This results is these animals receiving little handling and no human intervention - Keri-Keri blood sheep have the characteristic of being able to look after themselves.
At the other end of the climatic scale, Keri-Keri blood sheep have thrived in Argentina, where freezing conditions, cold and snow are common to their climate.
The long last effects of drought can be seen here.
Even after good autumn and reasonable winter rains in 2009 this paddock (above) at Keri-Keri is still showing the devastation of drought years from 2007 and 2008.
2006: Eight month old mixed sex lambs thriving in the dry conditions.
The Good Times
At other times of the year and in average seasons Keri-Keri is a source of growth, resources, green grass & nature.
Some days are long, hot & dusty for a working dog here. "Molly" from Di & John Austin, Wincanton, Victoria working in the Hay Plains heat. For enquiries on kelpie dogs contact John Austin 0408 758 241.