Can knowledge of climatic conditions and associated rainfall variability at time scales of several seasons to decades be used to improve cropping systems managementΓ This is a question at the core of this GRDC/CRDC funded research project. There have been many examples where farming practices in Australia were originally developed during periods of above-average rainfall. Research has found that in later decades there were periods when reliable rainfall patterns did not persist. In some cases this led to environmental degradation, a rapid decline in productivity, and increased farm abandonment, all of which have been at a great cost to individuals and the nation as a whole (McKeon et al 1990). Obviously, management strategies that have been developed during periods of low rainfall might not be appropriate during times of higher rainfall. Understanding such climatic cycles might provide an opportunity to put historical experiences into perspective and to choose management strategies that are appropriate for current climatic conditions