South-East Local Land Services

Drought conditions continue for parts of the South East region, with average to below average rainfall impacting recovery.

• The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) shows approximately 35% of the region in the one of the drought categories at the end of March.
• Rainfall has aided recent improvements in conditions however there is large variability in production conditions across the region. Drought conditions have persisted in parts of the east for over 6 months. Further rainfall is critical to trigger recovery in these regions.
• Other locations have shown a response to recent rainfall, with a transition out of the Drought category.
  Rainfall has been ineffective in triggering a strong pasture growth response or improving soil moisture levels for many locations.
• The decision-making environment continues to be challenging for many farmers in the region. Producers continue to monitor forecasts closely and implement drought management strategies as required for their enterprises.
• The NSW DPI continues to closely monitor conditions in this region.

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Normalised Difference Vegetation Index

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

• Many areas continue to experience near normal to higher-than-normal plant greenness levels.
• This has been driven by average to above average rainfall across most of 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.

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Individual Drought Indicators

Drought indicators in decline at some locations.

• The Drought History charts show the individual response of the drought indicators at Bega, Cooma and Goulburn.
• The indicators at Gundagai and Temora have declined over the last couple of months due to short-term rainfall deficits. Both areas remain in the Non-Drought category.
• At Hay, all indicators are responding well to rainfall events over the summer and early autumn period.
• Producers continue to monitor conditions closely in conjunction with forecasts and outlooks.
• To access a Drought History chart for your Parish, visit the Seasonal Conditions Information Portal.