Central West Local Land Services

Drought conditions continue to improve for much of the region.

The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) shows approximately 13% of the region being in the Drought Affected category at the end of June.
June rainfall has been average to above average for the much of the region which continues to improve the underlying indicators in many areas and for most of the region.
On ground reports suggest the wet conditions are creating logistical challenges with difficulties getting machinery into paddocks, impacting winter cropping programs including spraying and sowing.
Livestock producers with established fodder crops are managing well.
Producers continue to monitor forecasts closely and implement drought management strategies as required for their farm enterprises coming into winter.
The DPIRD continues to closely monitor conditions in this region.

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Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)

Plant greenness levels remain above average for many parts of the region.

There have been improvements in the NDVI anomaly values since the last Update, particularly in the east of the region. There are areas where pasture growth may be slowing and becoming dormant as cooler temperatures are experienced.
Some of the extremely negative NDVI areas (brown patches) are water bodies

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Drought indicators continue to respond to follow up rainfall across the region.

Rainfall has been effective in improving plant growth and soil water indicators across the region, particularly at Condobolin, Forbes, and Nyngan.
Further rainfall will aid the continued improvement in conditions and maintain the good production outlooks for many locations.

To access a Drought History chart for your Parish, visit the Seasonal Conditions Information Portal