Hunter Local Land Services

Drought conditions continue to impact the region.

• The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) shows 100% of the region being in one of the drought categories at the end of March.
• Average to below average rainfall during March has seen a re- intensification of drought conditions across much of the region.
• Intense drought conditions have eased slightly in the western part of the region. Hot conditions and low soil moisture levels are proving challenging.
• Feeding of livestock is continuing in some areas, with reports of early weaning and destocking due to concerns over water availability for stock.
• Producers continue to monitor forecasts closely and implement drought management strategies as required for their farm enterprises.
• The NSW DPI continues to closely monitor conditions in this region.

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Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)

Plant greenness values have remained generally steady since the February Update.

• Although there are signs of recovery for some parts of the region, further rainfall is critical in aiding a longer-term drought recovery.
• Many areas still have below average levels of plant greenness. These areas indicate low levels of ground cover and standing dry matter available for livestock.
• Some of the extremely negative NDVI areas (brown patches) represent water.

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Individual Drought Indicators

Drought indicators remain low.              

• The Drought History charts show the individual response of the drought indicators for Merriwa, Singleton and Taree.
• Merriwa is currently in the Drought category, with very low values across all three drought indicators.  Substantial rainfall is needed aid any improvement in conditions and ensure the region does not transition back into the Intense Drought category.
• At Singleton, the drought indicators have declined over the last few weeks. The region will likely transition into the Drought category without substantial rainfall in the coming weeks.
• At Taree, the drought indicators have declined over the last few weeks. Further rainfall is needed to improve conditions.
• Recovery from drought conditions will take some time across the region and substantial rainfall is needed to trigger improvement in current conditions at all locations.
• To access a Drought History chart for your Parish, visit the Seasonal Conditions Information Portal