SITUATION AS AT 31 MARCH 2008
OUTLOOK:
>From the Queensland Climate Change Centre of Excellence:
In March 2008 the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) was in a
'Consistently Positive' Phase and the 30 day average for March and was
10.2. Based on the SOI and historical rainfall records the outlook for
April to June 2008 indicates a 50 to 70 percent chance of above median
rainfall for much of Queensland.
Some regions in the far west, south and north of Queensland are
considered to have a 30 to 50 percent chance of exceeding median
rainfall. The outlook indicates that an isolated area encompassing the
Cooloola - Sunshine Coast area, may have a 70 to 80 percent chance of
above median rainfall.
Further analysis indicates that rainfall for much of Queensland is
likely to be close to or above the long term average (or middle third to
upper third percentile) rather than below or well below average. Most
of Queensland received close to or above median rainfall during the wet
season. However, the far west of the state has received below average
rainfall and there are dry areas in the south east corner, such as the
eastern Darling Downs.
STATE OVERVIEW:
Currently 60.2 percent of Queensland is drought declared under state
processes. There are also 22 Individually Droughted Properties (IDPs) in
a further five shires. With the exception of some coastal areas, the
southern two thirds of the state remain drought declared.
Following recommendations received from the North Brisbane, Burdekin,
Bowen and Whitsunday and Beaudesert Local Drought Committees (LDCs)
prior to council amalgamations on 15 March 2008, drought declarations in
the former shires of Brisbane, Pine Rivers, Redcliffe, Caboolture,
Caloundra and Maroochy shires were revoked on 1 March 2008. Drought
declarations in the former shires of Burdekin, Bowen, Whitsunday and
Beaudesert were revoked on 12 March 2008.
Local Drought Committees (LDCs) are made up of primary producer and
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) representatives.
They provide recommendations to the Minister for Primary Industries and
Fisheries to enable informed decisions about the drought status of
shires. LDCs monitor seasonal conditions throughout the year and meet
at least once a year, at the end of the summer rainfall period. All
LDCs will meet in March/April 2008 to assess conditions in their areas
and make their recommendations.
The Minister for Emergency Services has activated Natural Disaster
Relief and Recovery Assistance (NDRRA) covering 83 percent of the land
area of Queensland, following significant rainfall in some parts of the
state.
LIVESTOCK AND PASTURES:
North Region: Generally, pasture growth has been strong due to rainfall
in January. On average livestock are in forward store condition in
response to the wet season. Scattered storms especially in the Gulf
parts of the region has again freshened and boosted the pasture growth
and livestock condition. In the Mareeba district pasture response has
generally been variable although there were good periods of growth over
all areas by end of March. Cattle range from good to excellent
condition. In the Normanton district livestock are good and have
responded well to the rain and available pastures. Generally there is a
very good body of feed across the district with pastures continuing to
increase in nutritional value. Cattle across the Georgetown district are
generally in good condition. There is a very good body of grass across
the majority of the district although it has begun to hay off in some
areas. Most of the rivers and major creeks are flowing. In the Charters
Towers district pasture condition is generally good. Livestock are
currently at forward store condition including breeders and there is
still some supplementary feeding taking place to maintain body
condition. All surface and bore supplies appear adequate.
West Region: In the North West district, properties in the south of the
Cloncurry are almost totally destocked as part of their drought
management strategy. While livestock in the McKinlay, Mt Isa and
Flinders regional councils are generally in good condition, destocking
is also taking place in these areas. Pasture has hayed off significantly
due to the lack of rain with very few areas experiencing any significant
pasture growth. The Central West district has received scattered
showers. In areas where rain fell prior to March cattle generally
appear to be holding or improving in condition which can be attributed
to good pasture response. Pasture has responded well in the Blackall,
Barcaldine and Tambo areas but is starting to 'hay' off. The Mitchell
grass downs is generally still recovering. Some areas that missed out on
rain previously have had some relief and germination has occurred in
summer grasses and herbage which has improved the nutritional quality of
feed available. Pasture in the area south of Longreach towards
Stonehenge and Jundah and between Stonehenge, Jundah, Middleton, Boulia
and Winton is still recovering. Pimelea is still a problem in those
areas where there is no competition from other pasture species. In the
South West stocking rates are low which has resulted in cattle holding
their condition. Following recent rainfall there has been a
regeneration of pasture species. However it is expected that Mitchell
grass will take at least two good summer rainfall events to regenerate
fully. There has been no follow up rain for those areas in the Channel
country that received flooding early in the year and pasture response
has been minimal. Water supplies are not an issue as there is a good
supply available from the Great Artesian Basin.
Central Region: Pasture condition has responded well to rainfall and
warmer temperatures in the Mackay district. Grasses are seeding in many
districts so nutritional value is expected to fall. Callide Valley
pastures are showing less response due to lower rainfall and windy
conditions have dried out much of the district. Pasture is considered
good around Theodore and Moura, with several paddocks showing good
quality Buffel. Without follow up rain in the Biloela district
established grasses are expected to die off. Overall, animals are
generally in good condition throughout the region. However, there are
some cattle in the flood affected areas suffering from 3-day fever.
Water is still being carted for cattle in the Banana, Monto and Calliope
districts.
South-East Region: Many property owners have reduced stock numbers to
maintain a small base herd and allow pastures to recover. Mild summer
conditions with low temperatures and good rainfall has produced a good
quality and quantity of pasture which has resulted in a steady
improvement in livestock condition. Sale cattle numbers continue at
normal levels and prices have risen due to good rainfall in local and
other areas. Current conditions have allowed many dairy farmers to grow
fodder and in some cases store silage for the coming season. High grain
prices are expected to continue to impact on the cost of milk production
and with improved prospects for grain crops this season supply may not
be a problem. Many producers have been able to plant fodder crops for
hay and most of this is has now been harvested and stored. Water
supplies vary markedly from farm to farm. Some properties have full dams
whilst neighbouring areas still have empty dams and watercourses.
Significant general rain is still required to run creeks and fill dams.
South Region: Stock are generally in good condition and ranging from
forward store to fat condition. Generally pasture growth has been
reasonable across the region. However, with dry conditions pastures are
starting to 'hay' off. In the Tara and Bell districts extended dry
seasonal conditions have resulted in reduced areas of native and
improved pastures. In the Roma district there is a good body of feed in
most areas although with little rain during March pastures have started
to hay off. Producers are continuing to monitor their summer pastures to
ensure they have sufficient feed to carry their animals through winter.
Good runoff from earlier rainfall events has improved dam storages
across the region. Bore supplies in the western areas are holding.
CROPPING AND HORTICULTURE:
North Region: On the Atherton Tableland harvesting of peanut crops has
commenced. Maize crops are drying off in preparation for harvest and
perennial grass and legume seed crops are growing well. The 2008
sugarcane crop is growing well in all districts.
Central Region: Soil sampling in the Central Highlands indicates that
moisture profiles are full. Growers are positive about the coming season
with expectations of large areas to be planted to wheat. Grain prices
are favourable and input costs have increased. Cropping conditions in
the Callide region deteriorated in March, whereas conditions in the
Dawson region remain stable. Rainfall during March across the region
has been limited with most locations only recording around 5mm in a
number of falls. Many late sown crops have held on despite the lack of
rainfall and they will follow up rain to maximise yield potential.
Sorghum and mungbean harvests have returned above average yields and
quality. However, there have been reports of ergot infection in late
sown sorghum crops. Many producers are now preparing for a winter crop
in the Dawson and Callide areas.
South-East Region: Peanuts, sorghum, maize and sunflower crops are being
harvested. While conditions for pineapple growers had dried out
significantly during March there is concern that the wet weather from
the previous months may lead to an increase in the root rot disease
Phytophthora. Strawberry growers have benefited from the dryer weather
in March allowing land preparation to be completed in time to resume
planting runners of the early season and mid-season varieties. Planting
of runners for the mid to late season variety Camarosa is expected to
start at the beginning of April. Persimmon harvesting began in March on
the Sunshine Coast and yields are reported to be good.
South Region: The dry March period has enabled the sorghum harvest to
continue without delay. There was an extensive planting of sorghum,
corn, soybean and sunflower this summer with most crops returning above
average yields and prices. Early planted crops are showing the best
yields. Seed protein is down compared to previous years which can be
attributed to the good growing conditions. Cotton planting was down on
previous years as irrigation water was limited. Early frosts have been
reported on the Granite Belt with the cold snap causing damage to
horticultural crops. The low lying areas were the worst affected and
immature capsicum crops were damaged. The current Granite Belt dam
levels should provide up to 18 months water supply for most fruit and
vegetable growers. Summer rainfall resulted in above average apple
production while grape growers received average yields.
RAINFALL (figure in brackets indicates average)
North Region: Babinda received 697mm (816) Cairns A/P 786mm (n/a),
Ingham 149mm (454), Innisfail 787mm (n/a), Townsville 2mm (176), Tully
n/a (n/a), Bowen 6mm (n/a), Charters Towers 23mm (n/a), Georgetown 27mm
(n/a) and Normanton A/P n/a (n/a) and Proserpine A/P 61mm (n/a).
West Region: Birdsville n/a (19), Boulia 0.0mm (35), Windorah 6mm (32),
Cloncurry n/a (n/a), Mt Isa 2mm (65), Longreach 0.4mm (65), Muttaburra
n/a (64), Winton 2mm (51) and Charleville 2mm (59).
Central Region: Alpha recorded 6mm (70), Clermont 40mm (75), Springsure
8mm (69), Mackay 55mm (312), Yaamba 59mm (117), Biloela A/P n/a (n/a),
Mt Larcom 41mm (109), Gladstone 91mm (104), Theodore 16mm (46), and
Yeppoon 75mm (n/a).
South-East Region: Eidsvold recorded 28mm (71), Gayndah 51mm (59),
Mundubbera 16mm (56), Esk 35mm (87), Kilkivan n/a (85), Kingaroy 22mm
(n/a), Nanango 12mm (74), Proston 85mm (68), and Beaudesert n/a (n/a).
On the coastal fringe Bundaberg received 49mm (127), Maryborough 35mm
(134), Nambour 87mm (n/a) and Tewantin 166 (n/a).
South Region: Clifton 26mm (73), Dalby 18mm (n/a), Goondiwindi 0.0mm
(n/a), Inglewood 8mm (59), Oakey 4mm (52), Pittsworth 34mm (69),
Stanthorpe 7mm (75), Toowoomba AP 44mm (n/a), Warwick 24mm (n/a), Roma
3mm (n/a), Miles 0.4mm (n/a), St George A/P 3mm (n/a) and Taroom 3mm
(64).
WATER STORAGE/SUPPLIES
North Region: There have been no reports of any major water issues in
the region.
West Region: Water reserves are generally good with many dams
replenished in addition to the Great Artesian Basin. Underground and
surface water is still generally good across the region.
Central Region: Apart from some cartage occurring in the Banana, Monto
and Calliope districts there have been no other water issue reports.
South-East Region: All the major inland water storages still require
further rain to fill dams. Many farm dams still require run-off
rainfall before supplies could be deemed adequate.
South Region: Water storages continue to improve across the region with
recovery in the aquifers and improvement in streamflow. There are some
areas however around Toowoomba/Cambooya where surface water is still
low.
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)
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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. |
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