on which the
"Climate Note" can be found. The climate note contains more detailed
information including rainfall probability maps, SST information etc. A
recorded message with the 30 day average of the SOI is also available on
46881439.
STATE OVERVIEW:
Rainfall was recorded in most districts this month with varying degrees
of effectiveness. Generally rainfall totals have exceeded the median
expectations for this period, however, not all rainfall received has
been effective. There is a wide variation in stock condition ranging
from very poor to good for this time of the year. The South East region
recorded rainfalls of up to 100mm in some of the northern centres. Green
pick is now evident in many places and this should take some pressure
off stock feeding. Rainfall has caused some minor delays to the cane
harvest but nothing of significance. During the month of August,
following recommendations from the Local Drought Committees, the
Minister for Primary Industries and Rural Communities drought declared
the shires of Balonne, Barcoo, Boonah, Cooloola, Inglewood, Waggamba and
Local Government divisions two and three of Tiaro shire. There are now
42 shires and 1 part shire drought declared under state drought
processes. The area declared represents approximately 21% of the land
area of the state. There are also 431 Individually Drought Declared
Properties (IDPs) in a further 34 shires
REGIONAL SUMMARIES:
North Region: Rainfall was recorded in most districts this month with
varying degrees of effectiveness. This caused some minor delays to the
cane harvest but nothing of significance. In the grazing areas there has
been some pasture response but limited runoff has occurred to assist in
alleviating low surface water supplies. Stock condition appears to be
holding well in the north region with the only exception being in the
drier parts of the south where stock are falling in condition. IDP
numbers continue to increase in the Bowen shire. These properties are
generally located in the south western areas of the shire around
Collinsville and Mt Coolon. The remainder of the north region remains
IDP free although enquiries have been received.
West Region: Generally rainfall totals have exceeded the median
expectations for this period, however, not all rainfall received has
been effective. Storms across the central and southern areas during the
last weeks of the month brought patchy rain with totals received between
35 - 50 mm. However, rain did not reach all areas and those areas
receiving less than these totals have had increased deterioration of
available dry pastures. As a result of the decline in pasture feed,
supplementation has increased to provide livestock with much needed
protein for maintenance. Properties that do not have sufficient pasture
bulk to support a supplementation program are destocking. Water supplies
continue to be a major concern across the region with many on-property
storages dry or rapidly receding. IDP applications are increasing in
most shires across the region.
Central Region: Average to above average rainfall was received across
central Queensland during August. Highest falls were recorded in
southern areas, where falls of up to 100 mm occurred. The winter crop
prospects remain very poor for the northern central highlands, with any
crop in the ground struggling. The crops in the southern highlands still
look promising at this stage. Crops in the Dawson/Callide areas will
respond well to the rainfall received and should lead to some good
yields. Pasture conditions are either holding or deteriorating depending
on which areas received the rain. Where rainfall was significant, the
warm conditions following the rain should promote pasture growth. Water
resources in many areas continues to be a concern as rainfall received
has not led to significant runoff in many areas.
South-East Region: Record August rainfalls of up to 100mm have been
received in some of the northern centres of the region. Unfortunately
these large falls did not extend to the southern districts. Green pick
is now evident in many places and this will take some pressure off stock
feeding. Some crops will now be planted but many producers will wait
until the soil temperatures warm and the danger of frost is over before
planting early summer crops. Stock could be disadvantaged by the cool
conditions and the light green feed, but if conditions warm and
follow-up rainfall is received then the outlook for the two driest
months of the year will improve. Major water supplies along with dams
and bores remain at critically low levels.
South Region: During the month of August, rainfalls of between 50mm to
120mm were recorded within the areas defined by Dalby, Roma and
Goondiwindi. The remainder of the southern region received falls of
between 20mm-50mm. The better falls should encourage secondary root
production in established crops and improve yield potential. In response
to low pasture availability and a low expectation of useful rain,
widespread destocking has continued through sale yards and feedlots.
With the drought declarations of Balonne, Waggamba and Inglewood shires
during the month of August, sixteen shires are now officially drought
declared with a further 60 IDP's throughout the region.
LIVESTOCK AND PASTURES:
North Region: Stock on the Tablelands are in reasonable condition but
wet cows are experiencing difficulties. Supplementary feeding is taking
place to slow down weight loss. The Normanton district has recorded some
useful rain, although this was patchy and will require follow up falls
to be of any real significance. Stock condition is holding well with
most properties having a reasonable amount of dry feed. Around the
Charters Towers district, supplementary feeding with protein based feeds
is continuing to reduce condition loss. The patchy rain received around
the Mareeba district has been beneficial with green pick now noticeable.
The condition of dry cattle through the Mareeba sale yards is starting
to slip, this is especially noticeable with some of the bulls and ox
from the marginal country. Pasture availability in the Bowen area is
reasonable, although the quality is average to very poor. The rest of
these districts however, are still experiencing a dry spell and some
properties are without pasture entirely. Livestock condition ranges from
very poor to good depending on location, rainfall & management factors.
Water supplies appear to be adequate at the moment.
West Region: In the Central West areas around Boulia, Winton, Longreach
and Blackall, stock numbers continue to be lightened off to reduce
pressure on remaining pastures. Provision of supplements will assist to
maintain condition of stock. Kangaroos persist to impact on the amount
of available pastures, especially where rain has fallen. Generally the
areas of Isisford, Longreach, Barcaldine and Blackall, Tambo, Augathella
and Charleville have a reasonable body of pasture. The far southern end
of the Isisford shire is in very poor condition, with IDP applications
being received and approved. Again water supplies are a major
consideration in IDP inspections as on-property supplies dwindle and
disappear. Producers in the Charleville, Cunnamulla and Quilpie stock
districts are destocking, as no substantial flows in the channels has
been received over the past 18 months. This western country is extremely
dry and the preferred option for drought management is to destock.
Central Region: There is a wide variation in stock condition in the
region, from very poor to good for this time of the year. Poorer stock
in the good rainfall areas can be expected to pick up from here on,
especially if the warm weather continues. As always, wet cows appear to
be suffering the most. Pasture has responded well to the rain and some
places are well set up for the spring. Not so good for others though,
where the dry conditions continue to bite. With the weather starting to
warm up, lighter buffel country should see some green flag in response
to the rain received. Areas around Duaringa, Fitzroy and Livingstone
shires should experience excellent growth of pasture in response to the
warmer spring weather, however country that has been extensively grazed
may be slow to respond.
South-East Region: In most areas of the South East region, stock
continue to loose condition due to the short green feed and wet cold
conditions. With the onset of the warmer weather and a better body of
feed, loss of bodyweight should now slow down. Many herds are now
calving and the rain will be of great benefit to them. Recent rainfall
has caused stock sales in the region to drop, although the drier areas
still need to reduce stock numbers. The majority of producers have been
drought feeding supplements and licks to their stock though this should
now slow with the recent rains received. Pastures in the northern areas
where good rainfall was received are responding well and providing good
green pick for stock. Initially the pasture will be very light but if
favourable conditions continue, pastures will rejuvenate well. Surface
and underground water supplies continue to be stressed despite the rain.
Some farm dams have been filled but in most cases more follow up rain is
needed.
South Region: Stock condition varies throughout the region. Although
after a long period of dry weather and severe frosts most animals are at
the lower end of the body condition scale. Animals in the western zone
and Border Rivers are worst affected. Limited pasture feed has forced
owners to destock to feedlots and sale yards. The stock route has been
used extensively over the last few months especially around the Roma
district. However the feed has become limited and many animals have been
offered for sale. Supplementary feeding has been utilised to maintain
body condition. Due to below average rainfall, over the cooler months,
there has been no appreciable winter herbage growth. The quality of the
pasture has declined. The recent rain may activate some pasture growth.
However warm and wet conditions will need to continue before any major
affect is realised.
CROPPING AND HORTICULTURE
North Region: In all districts the lack of rainfall is having some
impact on crops and is placing an increased pressure on already low
irrigation supplies. Tobacco harvests continue in the Mareeba district
and will be completed by the end of September. Quality and yields have
been good. As the Wet Tropics approach their traditional dry period some
on-shore showers in the last 2 weeks have assisted in soil moisture for
horticulture crops. Tomato and pumpkin prices have been excellent.
Prices for other vegetable crops have been reasonable with the exception
of eggfruit. Conditions remain very dry but it is anticipated that most
vegetable growers will make it to the end of the season with their
existing water reserves. Mangoes are flowering well and the weather
conditions are ideal for a good fruit set. Sugarcane yields in the
Mareeba district are down. Cane from the dry southern area is holding on
and extra bins have been allocated to get the crop off as quickly as
possible. In the Burdekin district rainfalls between 10 - 35mm were
recorded this month that caused some minor delays to harvesting. Mills
continue to crush at high capacities and yields remain high.
Central Region: August started out as another dry month in the Dawson
and Callide valleys, with many of the winter crops planted suffering
moderate to severe moisture stress. Rainfall totals varying from 35 to
130 mm were recorded throughout most of the area, saving many of the
struggling winter crops. Wheat crops that potentially would have failed
will be harvested, although rain at this stage of the season will not
dramatically increase yield. Small areas of chickpeas that have been
planted are also expected to respond well to the rain, and fill out the
crop that has already been set. Although rain has assisted the region's
winter crops, the long term seasonal outlook remains unfavourable. It
remains too early to predict what will happen with summer crop planting,
although further falls of rain through October to November would mean a
reasonable part of the area would be double cropped. Should this occur,
the areas that missed out on a crop for the last few seasons would see
an improved cash flow situation.
South-East Region: Although the region received beneficial rainfall
over the last month, most winter crops have not benefited with many
crops dying off or suffering from stress, though the rain will be
beneficial for the start of the summer cropping season. In the Gatton
district lucerne production has been assisted by recent rain but
supplies still remain low with prices high. All crops in the region will
be well below their yield potential with the adverse conditions. Most
irrigation water is being directed to higher value horticultural crops.
Tomatoes, capsicums, zucchinis, squash, capsicums and eggfruit are
currently being grown in the Bundaberg district. Most tree crops have
benefited from the recent rain with trees now flowering and setting
fruit. Citrus harvesting continues in the Gayndah/Mundubbera district.
Rain has caused disruptions to cane harvesting although it is unlikely
that the rain will dramatically change crop yield forecasts.
South Region: The south region as a whole can expect below average
yields. To date only 40 to 50% of available cropping area is expected to
reach harvest. The recent rain received around Roma, Miles and Dalby
districts will be useful planting rain for wheat, chickpea and barley
crops and should assist the growth and yield potential. There has been
early planting of sorghum in the higher rainfall areas around Miles,
St.George, Dirranbandi and Thallon. The apples, grapes and stonefruit
are in winter dormancy and vegetable production has been adversely
affected due to limited irrigation water. The Granite Belt now faces a
ban on irrigation from natural waterholes.
RAINFALL (figure in brackets indicates average)
North Region: Babinda received 124mm (103) Cairns A/P 19mm (22),
Malanda 77mm (39), Ingham 58mm (37), Innisfail 119mm (n/a), Townsville
10mm (14), Tully 148mm (n/a), Bowen 7mm (n/a), Charters Towers 13mm
(n/a), Georgetown 22mm (3) and Normanton A/P 2mm (n/a) Proserpine A/P
6mm (n/a).
West Region: Birdsville A/P 0.0 (n/a), Boulia 0.00mm (8), Windorah
0.0mm (9), Cloncurry n/a (4), Mt Isa 0.0mm (5), Longreach 0.4mm (14),
Muttaburra 3mm (13), Winton 5mm (6) and Charleville 6mm (22).
Central Region: Clermont recorded 19mm (21), Alpha 24mm (22), Springsure
34mm (26), Mackay 24mm (29), Yaamba 50mm (26), Biloela A/P 99mm (27), Mt
Larcom 70mm (36), Gladstone 62mm (32), and Theodore 64mm (31).
South-East Region: Eidsvold recorded 119mm (34), Gayndah 117mm (36),
Mundubbera 171mm (34), Esk 54mm (35), Kilkivan 148mm (39), Kingaroy
105mm (n/a), Nanango 94 (40), Proston 120 (35), and Beaudesert 52mm
(43). On the coastal fringe Bundaberg received 125mm (38), Maryborough
89mm (45), Nambour 100mm (57) and Tewantin 168mm (n/a).
South Region: Clifton 34mm (38), Dalby 60mm (n/a), Goondiwindi 65mm
(n/a), Inglewood 33mm (37), Oakey 52mm (30), Pittsworth 28mm (40),
Stanthorpe 33mm (48), Toowoomba A/P 67mm (n/a), Warwick 35mm (n/a), Roma
39mm (n/a), Miles 58mm (n/a), St George A/P 30mm (n/a) and Taroom 42mm
(31).
WATER STORAGE/SUPPLIES
North Region: Surface water continues to be depleted however, most
properties have adequate water supplies to see them through until the
wet season. Light showers over a 3-4 day period has provided small
relief for existing pasture conditions but with no runoff for surface
water supplies. All major rivers are still flowing. Surface supplies
range from adequate in the southern coastal areas to desperately low
inland.
West Region: Property storages continue to recede and are now a major
concern for affected producers. The lack of surface water could prove to
be a real problem as the season progresses. Surface water supplies are
at critical levels with many dams dry and/or rapidly receding.
Central Region: Useful rain was received in the Central district during
August. Although the rain appeared to have fallen in the same areas as
in June, it will be beneficial. No frosts have been reported immediately
after the rain, so pastures should continue to grow well. There was some
moderate, though isolated runoff, generated from the storm activity in
the higher rainfall areas during the month. Shortage of surface water
may become a problem in western areas in the coming months.
South-East Region: Major irrigation dams in the North Burnett are still
at low levels. There have been minor flows in the Burnett and Boyne
rivers. In the Gatton area bores vary in levels. Allocations for
irrigation from Fred Haigh dam are now at their lowest levels. Recent
rainfall has not impacted greatly on the existing water levels.
South Region: The dry spell continued over southern inland Queensland
and the Darling Downs during August with the only relief coming in the
form of a rain influence which brought moderate to isolated heavy falls
to the northern, central and eastern Downs. Water levels in most
groundwater aquifer systems are now declining. The continuing poor
season in the Border Rivers is reflected in flow volumes for August. The
Severn River at Ballandean did not flow whilst the Dumaresq experienced
similar conditions.
Information provided by:
REGIONAL DELIVERY
Enquiries to: Ros Moloney
Primary Industries Building, 80 Ann Street, GPO Box 46, Brisbane Q 4001
Telephone: (07) 3239 3181
Facsimile: (07) 3239 3454
National Agricultural Monitoring System (NAMS)
 |
The National Agricultural Monitoring System (NAMS) provides current and historical climate, production, pasture and commodity information for agricultural industries at the national, state and regional scales, in user-friendly graphs and maps. NAMS is primarily designed to streamline Exceptional Circumstances drought assistance applications and assessments. NAMS can be accessed at www.nams.gov.au. This web-based tool is funded by the Australian, State and Territory governments and contains modelled analyses provided by Queensland Departments of Natural Resources & Water and Primary Industries & Fisheries. |
