North West Local Land Services

Drought conditions continue for most of the region, below average rainfall impacts recovery.

• The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) shows that approximately 98% of the region remains in one of the drought categories at the end of March. A re-intensification of drought conditions has occurred in some areas due to warm temperatures and variable rainfall.
• Continued follow up rainfall will be critical for a recovery from drought.
• On ground reports suggest that rainfall has been highly variable and there has been very little runoff. Feeding of livestock continues in some areas, with reports of early weaning and destocking due to concerns over water availability for stock.
• Preparations for winter cropping programs have commenced where sufficient rainfall has been received.
• 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

Widespread variability in plant greenness levels across the region. This is supported by on ground reports suggesting that rainfall has been very variable across the region.

• Areas with below average levels of greenness indicate low levels of ground cover and standing dry matter available for livestock.
• Some of the extremely negative NDVI areas (brown patches) are water bodies.
• The impacts of the December bushfire in the Pilliga south of Narrabri remain evident in this month’s Update.

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Individual Drought Indicators

Drought indicators remain low across the region.

• The Drought History charts show the individual response of the drought indicators for Moree, Tamworth and Walgett.
• All three locations remain in the Drought Affected category.
• There has been a slow improvement in the indicators at Walgett, however further substantial rainfall is needed to trigger any recovery from drought conditions across the region.
• A decline in the indicators at Moree and Tamworth reflects a medium-term deficit in rainfall at these locations.
• To access a Drought History chart for your Parish, visit the Seasonal Conditions Information Portal.