Busselton dries out
Busselton has experienced its longest dry spell on record, the Bureau of Meteorology says.
The region has recorded 82 days without rainfall this summer, but many producers believe the lack of rain has been positive.
WAFarmers' Vasse zone president Vasse Simon Brown said rain during summer could do more damage than good for farmers.
"It's not abnormal for Busselton to have low rainfall this time of year," he said. "(But) we want a good clean break and if it rains, we want continuous rain.
"If we have a small amount of rain, we experience a false germination and the danger is we are unlikely to get follow up rains and it's wasted."
The last rainfall recorded at Busselton Aerodrome was 0.4mm on December 6.
Fraser Gallop Estate owner Nigel Gallop said rain during summer could affect vines.
"Rain in summer generally increases the risk of disease to vines," he said.
"It's a matter of timing and can be quite damaging. The soil at our vineyard retains enough moisture for the vines to be happy even if it doesn't rain for four months.
"After harvest in April and May, we like to get as much rain as possible, but it's preferable to not get any during summer."
