As of January 2025, Australia’s feedbase conditions reflect a dynamic interplay of rainfall, temperature variability, and drought, driving significant regional contrasts in biomass production, ground cover, and water availability.
Widespread rainfall across eastern Australia, particularly in Queensland and New South Wales, has continued to support biomass growth. Many areas now surpass 1250–1500 kg/DM/ha, with pockets in northern Queensland and the Top End exceeding 2000 kg/DM/ha due to substantial rainfall recovery. These regions benefit from enhanced ground cover and improved forage availability, helping sustain livestock production. However, localized increases in bare ground in parts of northern Queensland highlight the variability of rainfall distribution, which could challenge long-term vegetation recovery.
In contrast, southern and western Australia are facing ongoing drought conditions and limited recovery:
- Southwestern Western Australia: TSDM, GSDM, and ground cover levels remain largely unchanged, reflecting persistent arid conditions and rainfall deficits. Coastal areas show minor improvements in biomass, but interior regions remain critically dry, with ground cover exceeding 50–70% bare ground in many areas.
- South Australia: Conditions remain critical, with no substantial changes since December. TSDM and GSDM levels are very low, particularly in central and northern areas, while southeastern regions show slight but variable improvements. Bare ground remains widespread, exceeding 50% in most regions and 70% in some areas, reflecting the severity of drought impacts.
- Western Victoria: Emerging dry spells have caused slight declines in TSDM and GSDM, particularly in the Wimmera and Mallee regions. Bare ground has increased in western parts, now reaching 30–40% in some areas, highlighting the growing stress on vegetation and soil moisture.
While rainfall in northern and eastern Australia has driven localized improvements in vegetation and forage availability, regions like southwestern Western Australia, South Australia, and western Victoria continue to grapple with severe drought conditions, reduced water storage, and limited recovery. These conditions underscore the stark regional disparities in feedbase conditions, with drought-affected areas facing ongoing challenges in sustaining agricultural productivity.

DecileTSDM

DSDM

Fractional Cover

Ground Cover

GSDM

TSDM
For localized information, users can explore the Cibo Labs Regional Comparison tool, which offers insights into the impacts of local weather and fire events on regional data. Detailed views for individual properties are accessible via the Australian Feedbase Monitor through the MyMLA portal or the Cibo Labs website. These tools enable land managers to make data-informed decisions tailored to their unique feedbase conditions and needs.
The Cibo Labs National Comparison can be used to freely access these layers (https://www.cibolabs.com.au/products/national-comparsion/) to view the most recent images from a national, state or catchment level. Users can also access past images to compare national changes in Pasture Biomass or Ground Cover. This tool can complement the Australian Feedbase Monitor which can also be created within the Cibo Labs Web Site www.cibolabs.com.au
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