The National TSDM image highlights the very high biomass levels extending from the Kimberley, across Northern Australia and extending southeast from Mount Isa through central Queensland. Conditions remain average to good in NSW and decline significantly in Tasmania and the Bass strait islands. Further west the extent of areas with low levels of TSDM is expanding in South Australia and Western Australia.

Green standing dry matter levels reflect the growth events noted in the Fractional Cover layer. High levels of biomass exist along the major waterways as well as in the north and central Queensland. Eastern NSW is also now seeing good levels of Green Standing Material.

Ground cover levels remain largely similar to previous observations with no significant alternations noted.

The extent of growth events in Northern Australia is reflected in the Fractional Cover images. Recent rainfall across the eastern half of Queensland and NSW as well as the response to flood events can be seen in the expansion of areas shaded green. Some growth has occurred along the coast of southwest Western Australia, however significant rain is needed to extend inland in order to promote noticeable biomass change.

Dead Standing Dry Matter imagery suggests that while there are several areas where dead material is exceeding 1500kg Dry Matter / Ha in northern Australia and central Queensland, these are limited in scale. This suggests the season is still supporting active growth with plants continuing to grow and have yet to reach maturity and die.

The Seasonal Ranking (based on the past 8-year average) reflects the above average conditions much of Queensland, the Northern Territory and western NSW are experiencing. More average conditions exist in eastern NSW and parts of Victoria. However, much of the southern states as well as the western states continue to have below average levels of TSDM for this time of year.

Across eastern Australia, there has been a slight improvement in TSDM levels, with improvements visible throughout eastern Qld, NSW, Victoria, and Tasmania. However, Western Australia still has large areas with low levels of TSDM. Looking more closely at the most recent TSDM image from 8th of April, it is possible to see some slight increases in TSDM for parts of the northern Pilbara as well as southwest Western Australia. However, these changes are only slight and much of that state continues to have low TSDM levels in all major agricultural and grazing regions.

Although Total Standing Dry Matter levels in northern Australia are very high (in excess of 5,000kg/Ha in some regions) the Green Standing Dry Matter images show a gradual reduction across northern Australia. This suggests much of the pasture mass has now started to mature, and while growth events are still occurring, much of the feed base is dominated by mature and lower quality feed. The amount of Green Standing Dry Matter in the east is also contracting eastward, reflecting rainfall and soil moisture.

Ground cover levels remain largely similar to previous observations with no significant alterations noted.

Fractional Cover continues to reflect the high level of rainfall and favourable growth conditions across northern Australia and along the eastern seaboard. Inland areas of growth along the major waterways and areas that have been impacted by floodwater are also notable. As expected, the western states have only small areas of active growth reflecting coastal rainfall events.

Dead Standing Dry Matter imagery reflects the growth pattern observed in northern Australia, with increased areas with Dead Standing Dry Matter in the range of 1250 – 1500 Kg/Ha. The eastern seaboard continues to have low levels of dead material within the feedbase. The NSW Riverina and northern Victorian Riverland have seen areas of dead material increase slightly as temperatures start to decline with autumn, however, across much of these states, no significant changes have been noted.

Considering the 8-year average these regions of Western Australia, including the southwest, Gascoyne and Pilbara all remain in the lower 20% decile. The same image indicates a range of seasonal conditions impacting South Australia. The northern pastoral zones continue to be well below the 8-year average, as does the southeast, however there are notable areas in the central portion of the state that are reflecting a better than average season. In eastern Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and NSW have seen some improvements in the seasonal average while much of Queensland remains above the average for this time of the year.

The combination of drier conditions and high temperatures has restricted and, in some cases, reduced herbage biomass levels. The Total Standing Dry Matter recorded on the 9th of March, shows a decline in amounts through those areas of southern and eastern Australia that were impacted by hotter conditions. However, central, and northern Queensland continues to reflect the ongoing impact of the wet season with high levels of TSDM in the areas north of Winton and east of Cloncurry and north to the Gulf.

As indicated by the growth events in the Fractional Cover images, the accumulation of Green Standing Dry Matter is greatest in those northern regions of Queensland and the Barkly in the Northern Territory. While there are still average to high levels of Green Standing Dry Matter along the eastern regions of Queensland and NSW there is a noticeable decline in the overall totals and a constriction eastward, reflecting recent hot weather.

There has been a slight decrease of ground cover in Central and Western NSW in the past 15 days. This decrease in ground cover potentially reflects the hot February conditions. Elsewhere, ground cover levels remain largely similar to previous observations.

Fractional Cover continues to indicate large areas of active growth along the eastern seaboard and the southwest corner of Western Australia. However, the impact of the hot conditions has seen a contraction in active growth in central NSW, Victoria, and South Australia. The only significant increases in active growth remain centred on the southern Gulf regions of Queensland, reflecting the ongoing influence of recent wet season events.

Dead Standing Dry Matter amounts continue to remain largely unchanged. This suggests in many areas herbage mass has not increased significantly in the growth phases to reach maturity and senesce. While there may be large areas of dead material as a result of hot and dry conditions, this material has either detached or did not achieve total amounts exceeding 500kg DM/Ha. The exceptions are along the major waterways leading to the Channel country in Queensland and in Western Australia west of Geraldton and southeast to Kalgoorlie.

In comparison to the 8-year average the Barkly tablelands in the NT, and the southern Gulf regions of Queensland remain well above average for this time of the year. However, for much of central and southern Queensland, NSW and Victoria, seasonal conditions are closer to the 8-year average, with some western and central portions of both states falling below the average. Western Australia and South Australia continue to fall largely below the average in most regions.

Observations of Total Standing Dry Matter, measured in Kg/Ha, show northwest Queensland, and the northern areas of the Northern Territory and Kimberley region in Western Australia to have maintained or increased total amounts. This reflects the impact of going conditions as part of the wet season and recent weather events. Southern states, including Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales show no significant changes at state levels to TSDM amounts.

Green Standing dry matter levels remain very high in Queensland east of a line running from St George to Barcaldine and northwest to Camooweal. Similarly in NSW, east of a line running from Tenterfield southwest to Dubbo and Wagga Wagga has levels of Green Standing Dry Matter above an average of 1200Kg/DM/Ha. This line extends into Victoria with the Gippsland region displaying the highest levels of Green Standing Dry matter in the state. The western states have very low levels of green standing dry matter.

National Ground Cover levels (30-day rolling average) also remain largely unchanged in the last two weeks.

Active herbage growth observed by Fractional cover reflects the response to wetter conditions as a result of recent flooding and wet season events in northern Australia. The extent of growth south of Mt Isa, Winton & Cloncurry is noticeable, as are some early responses to floodwaters heading towards the Channel country. Eastern Australia still shows large areas of active growth, even in states such as Tasmania that have recorded low levels of Total Standing Dry Matter.

Dead Standing Dry Matter remains largely unchanged in all states with levels of Dead Standing Dry Matter to be at or below 500kg/DM/Ha.

The gradual improvement in TSDM levels nationally is reflected in the current seasonal rankings. This image shows conditions against the average of the past eight years. As expected, the areas of Northern Australia most impacted by seasonal and weather events are now experiencing seasonal conditions well above the average. There has also been improvement in western NSW, where conditions are better than the eight-year average. However western Victoria, Tasmania and southeast South Australia still record seasonal conditions that are just below or well below the average. Conditions in Western Australia remain largely unchanged in the last two weeks.

National Ground Cover levels (30-day rolling average) continue to improve in those areas of Western Australia such as the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions. In the eastern states, ground cover levels remain reasonably stable.

Green Standing dry matter levels are largely in line with the images displayed by Fractional Cover. Of note is the rapid increase in Green Standing Dry Matter in the Top End of the Northern Territory, as well as in the eastern Gulf and Cape York region of Queensland. In these areas recordings over 2000kg Green Standing Dry Matter / Ha have significantly increased in the two weeks since the previous updates.

The widespread rainfall associated with ex Tropical cyclone Kirrily has significantly contributed to an expansion in areas experiencing new biomass growth. The Fractional Cover image indicates new growth throughout the Gulf country of Northwest Queensland, through to areas east of Mount Isa and then south towards Charleville and St George. In the Northern Territory, the northern Barkly, from Camooweal on the Queensland border, west across to Elliott and Kalkarindji are experiencing conditions that allow significant growth to occur. In the southern states, growth remains a feature along the coastal areas, and west to Dubbo in NSW. Some recent rainfall events around Bourke have also supported growth events. Much of eastern & southern Victoria are also experiencing good levels of growth.

Dead Standing Dry Matter have not significantly altered from the previous updates, with levels of Dead Standing Dry Matter to be at or below 500kg/DM/Ha. The exceptions continue to be areas of dead material and carry over feed along watercourses in north and central Qld, southern NSW, the Flinders Ranges in SA and along a line extending from north of Geraldton to west of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia.

The seasonal ranking image which ranks current conditions against the average of the past eight years, has remained largely unchanged from the previous update. Areas that are well below the long-term seasonal average include the southwest of Western Australia, Pilbara and Gascoyne and southwest Tasmania. There are also fairly large areas in Victoria’s southwest, South Australia and southwest Queensland that are below the long-term averages for this time of the year.

Total Standing Dry Matter, measured in Kg/Ha have increased in all states. In comparison to updates at the end of January 2024, the national TSDM image shows a reduction in areas with less than 500kg DM/Ha. This is evidenced in the reduction of red shading (indicating less than 500kg DM/Ha) and increased areas of amber and yellow shades. This is particularly notable in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania.

Seasonal Ranking for the nation continues to reflect the recent trend of improved growing conditions. Although some areas of the country have seen a slight fall in TSDM, this has not been sufficient to significantly alter the rankings for many regions. Much of North Queensland, southwest NSW and through southern South Australia remain well above the seasonal average.

Although conditions for growth have been favourable, levels of Total Standing Dry Matter (Kg/DM/Ha) have remained stable or have slightly decreased in the later part of summer. Hot conditions in inland NSW, Queensland and Victoria have seen total amounts fall slightly as herbage mass detaches in response to conditions. Although many of the areas in eastern & southern NSW, as well as most parts of Victoria have reasonable amounts of TSDM much of these areas have declined to the 1200 – 1500kg/DM/Ha range.

Green Standing dry matter reflects both the seasonal deciles and fractional Cover images. The amount of Green Standing Dry Matter in the NSW Northern Tablelands, Lower Hunter & mind North Coast, and the Central West falling comfortably in ranges of 1250 – 2000kg DM/Ha. Further north into Queensland similar and higher levels of green standing dry matter extend from just south of Bundaberg to Townsville and west to Emerald. In the southern states, Victoria reflects a range of conditions, with good levels of green dry standing matter in central regions and Gippsland but declining rapidly into the Mallee. South Australia and much of Western Australia have low levels of green standing matter contributing to the total amount available.

National Ground Cover levels (30-day rolling average) continue to improve in Western Australia with areas moving from 40% bare ground to 30% bare ground. This improvement Is welcome through the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions. In the eastern states, ground cover levels remain reasonably stable.

Assessing actual herbage growth through Fractional Cover highlights a significant expansion in regions where strong trends are evident. Almost the entire eastern seaboard and adjacent regions from North Queensland to Tasmania can be seen to have high levels of actively growing herbage. In northern Australia the impact of the wet season is noticeable with an expansion in growth areas in the Top End and across the Kimberley region.

Dead Standing Dry Matter levels remain largely unchanged. Most of the country has recorded levels of Dead Standing Dr Matter to be at or below 500kg/DM/Ha. The exceptions are areas of dead material that remain as carry over along watercourses in north and central Qld, southern NSW, the Flinders Ranges in SA and along a line extending from north of Geraldton to west of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia.

As expected, Total Standing Dry Matter (Kg/DM/Ha) have increased in amounts for north Queensland and into the southern Gulf regions, reflecting the positive wet season rainfall. Areas of high TSDM amounts extend south to the northern Darling Downs, where levels start to noticeably decline. The Condamine NRM region and southern portion of the Burnett Mary NRM region of Qld have seen significant declines in TSDM amounts which is at odds with the rest of the state. Eastern & Southern NSW, as well as most parts of Victoria remain well within TSDM amounts of 1500 – 2000 Kg/DM/Ha. The western division of NSW and the Mallee region of Victoria have seen TSDM levels fall below 900kg/DM/Ha on average in recent weeks. While much of South Australian TSDM levels also remain below 1000kg/DM/Ha there are some areas around the Flinders ranges, north to Roxby Downs and across the unincorporated areas which have good levels of herbage mass, reflecting recent rainfall events. Western Australia also reflects some new growth areas following recent rain bands in the southwest as well as through the Pilbara and Gascoyne. The northern Kimberly region and across into the top end of the Northern Territory have TSDM totals reflective of the current wet season.

The contribution of Green Standing biomass to total feed availability remains most noticeable in coastal NSW, particularly in the north coast and lower Hunter regions. The high green dry matter levels continue north along the Qld coast and hinterland, however much of the green growth remains restricted to the eastern seaboard of that state. Further north the Top End and northern Kimberley in WA also have significant levels of Green Standing Dry Matter.

Fractional Cover continues to highlight the areas of herbage growth on the back of rainfall events. The rainfall patterns including storm events in recent weeks, along with the accumulated soil moisture from pre-Christmas events is reflected in most states.

Dead Standing Dry Matter amounts are now exhibiting a degree of variation across the states. While much of Queensland has lower levels of Dead Standing Dry Matter, the southern Gulf, leading south towards the channel country shows high levels of dead material (>1500kg DM/Ha) a result of earlier growth and a good end to 2023. Similarly, the areas around the Flinders Ranges and further north in South Australia also have total amounts in the range of 1200 – 1800kg DM/Ha. In southwest Western Australia there remains a distinct band of Dead Standing Material above 1500kg DM/Ha running from north of Geraldton in a south easterly direction towards Merredin and Kalgoorlie.

The current Seasonal Ranking has seen a continued improvement for much of Northern Queensland, which is now recorded as in the Top 90 decile range, indicating seasonal conditions very much above the average. The areas of Qld and NSW that are considered average or below average have contracted to the western regions, such as southwest Qld and the northwest of NSW.

The continued accumulation of pasture biomass in eastern Australia is a key feature of the Total Standing Dry Matter update for 30 December 2023. Many areas in NSW now exceed the 2000kg/DM/Ha benchmark, with a noticeable reduction is areas with pasture biomass levels recorded as 1,000kg DM/Ha or below. However, there are still some significant areas north and west of Dubbo in NSW that are still well below this level and further rainfall to assist growth is needed in these regions as well as those further to the west. In Queensland, TSDM levels continue to increase in the regions North of St George and east of Blackall and Barcaldine. Areas in excess of 2,500kg/DM/Ha remain a feature of the regions north of Emerald and extend to the southern Gulf and Cape York. TSDM levels in the Northern Territory reflect the recent rainfall events of this wet season, with declines in TSDM now noticeable north of Alice Springs and in the southern extent of the Barkly. However north of Elliott and northwest to Katherine, TSDM levels remain above the 2500kg/DM threshold.

The contribution of Green Standing biomass to total feed availability is significant particularly in the Queensland NQ Dry Tropics, Fitzroy Basin and east of Longreach and Barcaldine. These areas see amounts of Green Standing Dry Matter in excess of 1750kg/DM/Ha. Areas such as the Northern Territory show high amounts of Green Standing Dry Matter extend from the Victoria River District through to the Darwin Daly and into East Arnhem land.

National Ground Cover levels (30-day rolling average) remain largely unchanged in eastern Australia. In Western Australia, there has been a continuation of slight improvement in areas of ground cover and this slight improvement extends into the north-western corner of South Australia with some slight gains noticeable.

The most significant feature of the current updates is the Fractional Cover image, detailing the increased number of regions across the Northern Territory, Queensland, and NSW. While many locations within these regions have yet to see significant changes in the Total Amount of Standing Dry Matter, active green growth, often in green pick, or short green feed is easily observable. The image of the 30th of December identifies the areas that have experienced not only early storm events but have both now seen follow up rainfall events and widespread biomass response as a result.

Dead Standing Dry Matter levels continue to decline across the country. There is a noticeable loss in levels in all states, reflecting the detachment of material due to summer storms and general summer conditions. The areas with significant resources of Dead Standing Material (in excess of 1200kg/DM/Ha) are confined to the western edges of the Queensland Gulf, eastern Barkly, and parts of the NSW Riverina. In Western Australia, a line extending southeast from Geraldton towards Kalgoorlie also has Dead Standing Dry Matter at levels greater than 1250kg/DM/Ha.

As could be expected, seasonal comparisons of TSDM for December reflect the growth patterns previously mentioned. There has been an improvement in conditions in southeast Victoria with the conditions now moving closer to the long-term average for this time of the year. Eastern Tasmania has also seen conditions move closer to the long-term average for this time of the year. South Australia continues to see seasonal conditions measured as below the average for December. The Yorke, and Eyre Peninsula’s are largely in the lower 20 decile range, as are much of the pastoral and agricultural areas of Western Australia.

Reflecting the areas of growth identified through the Fractional Cover image presented on December 6, Total Standing Dry Matter levels have now passed through the benchmarks of 1,000kg DM/Ha in the Northern Slopes and Northern Tablelands of NSW and further south into the Central West Tablelands and Southwest Slopes. In Queensland, the eastern regions, extending from south of Bundaberg through to Townsville and the southern cape, are exceeding levels of 1700 to 2000kg DM/Ha. Across the Northern Territory and the Kimberley region of Western Australia, noticeable increases in the Total Standing Dry Matter continue to reflect early wet season events. It is also positive to see some areas of Total Standing Dry Matter accumulation to the south and east of Marble Bar in Western Australia.

Green Standing Dry Matter levels have increased within the regions already described. Most noticeable is the rapid increase in Green Standing Dry Matter in Central Queensland, with a change from levels at around 750kg /DM / Ha to over 1750kg/ DM / Ha. While this is not the case for the entirety of Queensland, the central regions have recorded significant changes in Green Dry Standing Matter. A similar result has also been recorded in the Northern Territory with a band of growth extending from south of Darwin through to the Barkly Tablelands.

The downward trend in National Ground Cover levels (30-day rolling average) noted in the eastern Kimberley, Gascoyne and Pilbara regions has eased to some degree. Growth events in these regions have contributed to a stabilisation and slight increase in ground cover levels in these regions. A similar easing has occurred in the western regions of the Northern Territory, and in the northern regions of South Australia as well as in western NSW and Queensland.

Most noticeable in the current images is the extent of actively growing biomass in eastern Australia, most particularly in Northern NSW and Central Queensland. The path of storm events, and rainfall bands in Queensland has seen a strong band of active growth extending north of Roma to west of Moranbah. Recent storm events east of Longreach and Barcaldine have also resulted in noticeable growth events. Eastern NSW continues to display active growth from the northern rivers through to the far south coast, with this growth extending into Gippsland and southwestern coastal areas of Victoria.

By comparison with the update of 6 December 2023, levels of Dead Standing Dry Matter have declined in most states. Contributing to this decline has been the impact of rainfall and storms which has led to detachment and loss of dead material.

Although growth events and the accumulation of Total Standing Dry Matter has been positive, the actual levels of growth have not yet reached a point to change the seasonal comparisons significantly. There has been a slight improvement in central NSW, moving from the 50% decile to between 60 & 70% ranges, however areas that have been previously in lower decile ranges for seasonal growth will continue to take some time to recover to average seasonal levels

While rainfall events nationally have prompted a response in pasture growth, there is still a time lag between rainfall events and useful pasture growth for graziers. Nationally Total Standing Dry Matter continues to average below 900kg/DM/Ha, a decline of around 300kg/DM/Ha. The national averages are impacted by the removal of biomass including harvested crops in southern NSW, Victoria, and South Australia. Additional losses have been incurred through the North Queensland Dry Tropics, Tasmania and through the Kimberley region of Western Australia.

Although growth is occurring as a result of rainfall events, the availability of Green Standing Dry Matter levels remain very low in most regions with the exception of the lower Hunter Valley in NSW and the Gippsland region of Victoria where levels of Green Dry Standing Matter are now averaging above 1500kg/DM/Ha. For the remainder of the continent the green proportion of the total available biomass remains below 500kg/DM/Ha.

National Ground Cover levels (30-day rolling average) have started to change with an increase in bare area in the eastern Kimberley as well as increase to existing areas where ground cover is less than 50% in the Gascoyne and Pilbara regions. The areas impacted by fire on the Barkley Tablelands of the Northern Territory and Southern Gulf of Queensland are still noticeable, again reflecting the time lag between rainfall events and significant biomass response.

Maturing winter crops in southeast NSW and into Victoria and South Australia are contributing to the higher levels of Dead Standing Dry Matter noticeable in the current images. There has been a significant increase in the total amount of Dead Standing Dry Matter in these regions since the update of November 15, 2023. A similar trend is also noticeable in the southeast and wheatbelt of Western Australia. In the northern portion of NSW, and into Queensland and the Northern Territory there is a noticeable decline in levels of Dead Standing Dry Matter, reflecting dry matter loss from grazing and from detachment as the result of weather conditions, including rainfall events.

The seasonal comparison of Total Standing Dry Matter continues to be significantly unchanged from the 15 November 2023 update. An expansion of areas in the 30% decile and below has occurred in the Tanami region of the Northern Territory, and across the southwestern regions of Western Australia. However, areas of the NSW Mid north coast and tablelands have shown some movement towards the long-term average (50% decile) reflecting earlier rainfall events.

The national average amount of Total Standing Dry Matter has generally stabilised below 1,250 Kg DM/Ha. Recent storm and shower events have slightly increased total standing dry matter levels on the Northwest Slopes and Northern tablelands of NSW. Much of Queensland, Victoria and the other southern states remain substantially unchanged in the two weeks leading to the 15th of November.

Green Standing Dry Matter levels remain very low for most of the continent. The impact of rain and the growth in response has not yet taken levels of green pasture biomass to levels above 500 kg/DM/Ha for most of the country, except for Victoria and central Tasmania and the southwest slopes of NSW. Livestock managers will need to continue budgeting for low levels of green biomass in their feeding and grazing plans as these levels remain below the benchmarks for all classes of livestock.

National Ground Cover levels (30-day rolling average) have not dramatically increased for most of the continent. However, the loss of ground cover due to bushfire is evident in the Queensland Darling Downs and Border region with NSW. The widespread fires in the North Barkly and north of Mount Isa as well as in the eastern Kimberley region of WA can also be noted in the most recent update.

Pasture Biomass Growth events continue to reflect the impact of the stormy weeks leading to the 15th of November. Most growth events remain restricted to these coastal regions across Victoria and Tasmania. The effect of storm events in the eastern portions of the NSW Central West, North West and Tablelands is becoming noticeable.

Dead standing dry matter remains largely unchanged in the most recent satellite update. Areas greater than 1200kg DM/Ha remain confined largely to North Eastern Qld and parts of the Barkly Tablelands. One exception has been the southeast of South Australia, where levels of Dead Standing Dry Matter have increased in recent weeks to exceed 1500kg / DM /Ha. This reflects the maturing of winter crops ahead of harvest.

While some growth has occurred due to recent rainfall, the overall position of the continent remains below and well below average for the seasonal levels of Total Standing Dry Matter. Western Australia remains stable, with areas considered below and well below seasonal averages.

The national average amount of Total Standing Dry Matter is now below 1,250Kg DM/Ha. While there are areas of Victoria and north Qld with totals in excess of 3,000kg DM/Ha, these are small areas that are rapidly declining in area

With the exception of the southwest slopes of NSW and southwestern Victoria, the levels of Green Standing Dry Matter across the continent fall within levels of 750kg DM/Ha or less. This will have ongoing implications for livestock managers who are calculating feed budgets on levels of green material in diets. In most areas these levels are well below the benchmarks for all classes of livestock, and as a consequence, overall daily intake for stock from pasture is likely to be significantly below what is required for maintenance or production.

National Ground Cover levels (30 day rolling average) are now beginning to reflect the loss of dead standing material and I some regions the impact of bushfire. Western Australia and the western regions of South Australia have seen an increase in area that has 70% or greater bare ground, while in the Northern Territory, western Queensland and western NSW, the area of country with 30 – 40% bare ground has expanded.

Pasture Biomass Growth events (as indicated by Fractional Cover) remain restricted to the coastal margins and south-eastern parts of the continent and Tasmania where some rainfall has been recorded. Growth has slowed in southeast South Australia since the 21st of October (the date of the last satellite update).

The impact of warmer weather and associated windy conditions have contributed to a further reduction in the amounts of Dead Standing Dry Matter which many producers had been reliant upon for grazing with appropriate supplementation. The detachment of this material and subsequent loss is reflected in further areas recording levels of Dead Standing Material below 750kg DM / ha.

The areas of the continent now considered to be below and well below average for the seasonal levels of Total Standing Dry Matter have expanded across NSW, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Queensland, and the Northern Territory. Areas that were slightly below average in the previous October summary have declined further with a significant increase the in area considered to be within the 30% and below decile

Total Standing Dry Matter (Kg/DM/Ha) has noticeably decreased across the Barkly tablelands, Queensland Gulf, western Queensland, Central NSW and Western Victoria. These areas have now entered the average range of 750 -1250 Kg/DM/ha (as evidenced by the light orange and yellow shading). Southwestern Western Australia has declined from widespread averages of 1750-200kg/DM/Ha to more lower averages in the range of 1000 – 1500kg/DM/Ha. Similar pasture biomass declines are evident in South Australia.

As can be expected the availability of Green Standing Dry Matter (Kg/Ha) has significantly fallen in most regions. The most notable reductions have been in the south west and central west slopes of NSW, Gippsland in Victoria, the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia and the southwest of Western Australia. For much of the country the amount of Green (actively growing) biomass remains blow 500kg/DM/Ha.

The dry conditions which have reduced pasture growth and amounts of Green Dry Standing Matter have conversely contributed to a slight increase in the levels of Dead Standing Dry Matter (Kg/Ha). Levels of Dead Material in Southern NSW have increased from averages of less than 500kg/DM/Ha to average between 750 -1000kg DM/Ha. Across much of the country, the change of pasture from actively growing Green to Dead Standing Dry Matter can be readily seen.

While it is notable that areas of the Northern Territory, Kimberley Region in Western Australia and the Gulf Country of Queensland continue to have biomass levels above 1700kg/DM/Ha the overall area where this applies has contracted in the last two weeks. Late and isolated thunderstorms in central Victoria and the Riverina in NSW have resulted in some areas of growth and increases in Total Standing Dry Matter. A similar pattern of response to storms is notable across North Queensland.

The combined impact of low rainfall, heat events and some late frosts have reduced the levels of Green Standing Dry Material very noticeably across NSW and into central Victoria. Areas in southern NSW that previously had in excess of 1700kg Green Standing Dry Matter / Ha, have now decreased significantly. This is noticeable in the western Riverina and south west slopes. In the Northern Territory levels of Green Standing Dry Matter / Ha have also fallen particularly across the Barkly and Victoria River regions.

These changes are particularly noticeable in the seasonal comparison of TSDM. Much of Central Queensland, northern NSW and Western Australia are now 50% or lower than the long-term seasonal average.

Pasture Biomass Growth events (as indicated by Fractional Cover) indicate little change in growth across the continent. Areas that have received rainfall in the past two weeks have continued to see pasture growth events, however, the inland regions largely comprise of non growing or non-photosynthesising biomass.

Levels of Dead Standing Dry Matter have fallen significantly across NSW, southwestern Queensland, and western Australia. In NSW there is on average less than 1000kg Dead Standing Dry Matter / Ha across all regions. In Victoria the amount of Dead Dry Standing Material is lower again, averaging below 500Kg/DM /Ha. While in the north, the areas where Dead Dry Standing Dry Material exceed 1750kg/Ha are confined to smaller areas of the eastern Barkly. The decline in Dead Standing Dry Matter combined with low levels of Green Dry Matter are the principal reasons for the continued reduction in the national feedbase levels in the past 14 days.

These changes are particularly noticeable in the seasonal comparison of TSDM. Much of Central Queensland, northern NSW and Western Australia are now 50% or lower than the long-term seasonal average.