November highlighted stark regional contrasts in feedbase conditions: • Eastern Australia: Localized rainfall in Queensland and New South Wales led to moderate increases in biomass. Many areas surpassed 750 kg/ha, with some transitioning into the 1000–1250 kg/ha range, enhancing forage availability and supporting grazing activities. • Southwestern Western Australia: Rainfall-driven improvements resulted in localized vegetation recovery, with some areas reaching the 1000–1500 kg/ha range. However, drying trends began to emerge in certain zones, reflecting the variability of seasonal rainfall impacts. • Central and Northern Australia: Persistent arid conditions dominated these regions, with biomass levels largely below 500 kg/ha in the centre and under 250 kg/ha in the north. Limited rainfall and high temperatures hindered vegetation recovery, leaving extensive bare ground across these areas. • Southeastern Australia: Above-average rainfall in Victoria and parts of New South Wales maintained dense ground cover and moderate biomass levels, though northeast Tasmania and the Bass Strait Islands struggled with below-average vegetation growth.

GSDM maps highlighted the uneven recovery of green biomass: • Southeastern Australia: Biomass levels ranged between 750 and 1500 kg/ha, with notable gains in southeastern Queensland and southern cropping zones, supported by seasonal rains. • Southwestern Western Australia: Localized gains in green biomass (250–500 kg/ha) indicated slow but steady recovery. • Central and Northern Australia: Biomass levels remained predominantly below 250 kg/ha, reflecting ongoing challenges in vegetation recovery. • Tasmania and Southeastern New South Wales: Moderate biomass levels (500–1000 kg/ha) persisted, although these regions lagged behind southern cropping zones in recovery.

Ground cover data provided further insights into regional variability: • Central and Western Australia: Bare ground expanded significantly, exceeding 50% in many areas and reaching >70% in some, reflecting severe dry conditions and limited recovery. • Northern Australia: Ground cover remained relatively stable, with localized increases in bare ground (20–30% to 30–40%). • Southeastern Australia: Dense vegetation cover persisted in New South Wales and Victoria, with most areas maintaining less than 20% bare ground, supported by favourable rainfall. • Southwestern Western Australia: Bare ground increased in some areas (10–20% to 30–40%) as drying conditions set in following earlier growth. These maps highlight the stark contrasts between dense ground cover in the southeast and bare ground expansion in arid central and western regions.

Fractional cover data, which tracks active photosynthesis and plant growth, provided a detailed view of vegetation health across regions: • Eastern Australia: Improved photosynthesis and vegetation growth were evident in New South Wales, Victoria, and parts of Queensland, aligning with localized rainfall and enhanced biomass. • Southwestern Western Australia: Slight increases in green cover along coastal areas reflected steady vegetation activity following sporadic rainfall. • Central Australia: Non-green vegetation and limited photosynthesis persisted due to ongoing arid conditions. These patterns illustrate the variability of vegetation responses, with eastern and southwestern regions benefiting from recent rainfall, while central areas continue to lag.

DSDM levels showed significant changes across Australia: • Northern Australia: Central Queensland experienced a marked decline in DSDM, dropping from 750–2000 kg/ha to 250–500 kg/ha, suggesting a transition to green biomass following rainfall. • Southern States: Sparse dead biomass (<750 kg/ha) persisted across South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania. • Central Australia: Dead biomass levels remained consistently low (<250 kg/ha), reflecting arid conditions. • Southwestern Western Australia: Some areas recorded increased dead biomass (500–1000 kg/ha) due to the accumulation of plant material after earlier dry conditions.

The TSDM Seasonal Rank maps, comparing November 2024 conditions to the average of the past eight years, reveal subtle but important trends: • Southeastern Australia: Slight improvements in vegetation were noted in Victoria and southern New South Wales, with more areas transitioning into higher deciles (70–90) due to recent rainfall. • Central Australia: Extensive areas remained in the lowest deciles (<10), reflecting persistent arid conditions and limited recovery compared to historical averages. • Northern Australia: Vegetation remained stable and consistent with the eight-year average, highlighting the lack of significant shifts. • Southwestern Western Australia: Vegetation productivity declined in some areas, shifting from mid-range deciles (30–50) to lower deciles (<20), driven by drying conditions. These decile trends underscore the ongoing challenges in central and southwestern regions, contrasting with moderate gains in southeastern Australia.

In eastern Australia, especially across Queensland and New South Wales, slight increases in biomass are visible between October and November, with a broader area now exceeding 750 kg/ha of total standing dry matter (TSDM). This suggests improved forage availability in some eastern regions. In contrast, central Australia continues to show low biomass levels, predominantly below 500 kg/ha, reflecting persistent dry conditions and limited vegetation growth over the period. Southwestern Western Australia has experienced some expansion in vegetation cover, particularly along coastal areas, with more regions now falling within the 500–1000 kg/ha TSDM range. This indicates a minor improvement in biomass levels there. Meanwhile, northern regions, including the Barkly Tablelands and the Gulf, maintain relatively stable biomass levels, showing little change and remaining in moderate-to-low ranges. Overall, these patterns highlight localized improvements in the east and southwest, while central and northern Australia exhibit limited variation, with central areas remaining especially low in forage availability. Northern Australia, including areas like the Barkly Tablelands, Gulf, Cape York, and northeast Queensland, maintained relatively stable TSDM levels between October and November, with regions staying in the 40–70 decile range. While these areas did not show significant change, their conditions remained consistent with typical seasonal patterns, with moderate-to-low biomass. In contrast, New South Wales, particularly in the eastern regions, saw slight improvements in biomass, with some areas moving into the 50–70 decile range, reflecting a shift toward near-average or slightly above-average TSDM levels. Central Victoria and Tasmania showed minimal fluctuations, with TSDM levels generally remaining near average. However, northeast Tasmania and the Bass Strait Islands continued to experience below-average conditions, with little improvement over this period. Meanwhile, southern Australia, including parts of the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions in WA, has consistently recorded below-average TSDM, reflecting persistent dry conditions that have not shown significant recovery in recent months.

Green standing dry matter (GSDM) levels are highest in southeastern Australia, particularly in parts of New South Wales and Victoria, where biomass levels now range between 750 and 1500 kg DM/ha. This increase is evident from southeastern Queensland through to the southern cropping zones, reflecting recent vegetation growth likely due to seasonal rains. In southwestern Western Australia, there are localized increases in GSDM, with coastal areas moving into the 250–500 kg DM/ha range, indicating slight improvement in green vegetation cover. Meanwhile, central and northern Australia continue to exhibit low GSDM levels, predominantly below 250 kg DM/ha, emphasizing persistent dry conditions with minimal vegetation recovery. Southeastern New South Wales and Tasmania also show moderate biomass concentrations, although these generally remain lower than the main southern cropping zones.

Ground cover showed regional variability between October and November, with some significant trends in specific areas. Central and western Australia exhibited an increase in bare ground, with many areas now exceeding 50% bare ground, particularly in the interior regions where exposed soil expanded due to ongoing dry conditions. Northern Australia, including parts of Queensland and the Northern Territory, showed relatively stable ground cover, although some regions experienced a slight increase in bare ground, moving from the 20%–30% range to 30%–40%. In contrast, southeastern regions, including New South Wales and Victoria, maintained dense vegetation cover with less than 20% bare ground, reflecting stability and healthy vegetation likely due to recent rainfall. Southwestern Western Australia displayed a localized increase in bare ground, with some areas shifting from the 10%–20% range to 30%–40%, possibly due to drying conditions after an earlier period of growth. Overall, the November map indicates an expansion of bare ground in central and western Australia, while southeastern regions retained stable, dense ground cover. These changes suggest worsening dry conditions in central and western areas, with relatively favourable vegetation stability in the southeast.

Fractional cover data highlights an increase in green vegetation cover in eastern Australia, particularly across NSW, Victoria, and parts of Queensland, shown as bright green areas on the November map. This growth is likely to improve biomass levels in these regions, even though some areas still experience below-average TSDM. In southwestern WA, there is a slight expansion of green cover from Geraldton southeast toward the coast, indicating modest but steady vegetation growth along coastal areas. The November data also shows a transition from non-green (blue) to green vegetation in parts of these regions, reflecting progressive seasonal growth. However, central Australia continues to display extensive bare ground, with limited vegetation cover dominated by non-green and bare ground areas, highlighting persistent dry and arid conditions in these zones.

Dead standing dry matter (DSDM) has decreased across northern Australia, particularly in central Queensland, where DSDM levels have dropped from the 750–2000 kg DM/ha range in October to lower levels (250–500 kg DM/ha) in November. This reduction suggests a transition from dead to green biomass as vegetation responds to recent rainfall. In the eastern Kimberley and parts of the Northern Territory, there are still patches of moderate dead biomass, but overall DSDM levels have declined. In the southern states, including South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania, DSDM remains sparse, generally below 750 kg DM/ha, with minimal increases observed. Central Australia continues to show persistently low dead biomass, with levels remaining under 250 kg DM/ha, indicating ongoing arid conditions with limited vegetation recovery. Southwestern Western Australia shows a localized increase in DSDM, moving into the 500–1000 kg DM/ha range, likely due to the accumulation of dead plant material following a drier period. Overall, the data suggest a decrease in dead biomass in the north and east, while central and southwestern regions exhibit stable or slightly increased DSDM.

Ground cover remained stable across much of Australia, with notable trends in specific regions. Central and northern areas, particularly in Queensland and the Northern Territory, display extensive bare ground coverage, with many areas showing over 50% bare ground. Southeastern regions, including NSW and Victoria, retained better vegetation density, with less than 20% bare ground. Southwestern Western Australia showed slight variations but generally maintained ground cover. Central Australia, however, consistently exhibited sparse vegetation, indicating persistent dry conditions and limited new growth. Overall, minimal changes were observed in ground cover over these dates.

Fractional cover data highlights consistent vegetation growth in eastern NSW, Victoria, and Tasmania, indicated by bright green areas on the map. This growth is expected to improve biomass levels despite some regions still showing below-average TSDM. In southwestern WA, vegetation has extended from Geraldton southeast to the coast, reflecting steady growth. The latest October data suggests slight expansion in green areas across these regions, indicating progressive growth, though central and arid zones in Australia continue to display limited vegetation dominated by bare ground and non-green cover.

Green standing dry matter (GSDM) levels are highest in NSW and Victoria, with biomass exceeding 2000 kg DM/ha from the Border Rivers through to the southwest coast. Cape York and northern Queensland show moderate GSDM levels between 1250 and 2000 kg/ha. Southwestern WA also shows recent increases in GSDM, while central and northern Australia maintain low vegetation growth. Additionally, southeastern NSW and Tasmania have high biomass concentrations, indicating active growth, though generally lower than the main southern cropping zones.

In eastern Australia, particularly in Queensland and NSW, slight increases in biomass are evident, with more areas exceeding 750 kg of total standing dry matter (TSDM) per hectare. Meanwhile, central regions continue to show low biomass levels, with TSDM mostly below 500 kg/ha, reflecting persistent dry conditions. Southwestern WA has experienced minor vegetation expansion, particularly along coastal regions, moving into the 500–1000 kg/ha range, while the northern regions, including the Barkly Tablelands and Gulf, maintain relatively stable, moderate-to-low biomass levels. These patterns indicate localized improvements in the east and southwest, while central and northern Australia remain largely unchanged.

Northern Australia, including areas like the Barkly Tablelands, Gulf, Cape York, and northeast Queensland, saw TSDM levels shift from above average in September to closer to average in October. New South Wales, central Victoria, and Tasmania maintained near-average levels, with minor fluctuations. Northeast Tasmania and the Bass Strait Islands continued to experience below-average conditions, with little change over this period. Southern Australia, the Pilbara, and the Gascoyne regions in WA have consistently recorded below-average TSDM, reflecting ongoing dry conditions.

Dead standing dry matter remains high across northern Australia, particularly in the eastern Kimberley, Northern Territory, and central Queensland, with values exceeding 1750 kg DM/ha. This level of dead feed is persistent across large areas in the north. In the southern states, however, DSDM remains sparse, mostly below 750 kg DM/ha, with minimal increase observed between dates. High DSDM areas in the north and central regions remain largely unchanged, suggesting stable dry matter conditions in these areas.

August rainfall was recorded as below average in Victoria, southern South Australia, and parts of western NSW. These conditions are evident in the National Totals Standing Dry Matter (TSDM) image, where biomass levels are below 1200kg Dry Matter in these areas. However, central NSW and Victoria show much higher readings due to winter cropping programs.

Green standing dry matter levels are highest in the cropping regions of NSW and Victoria, where biomass exceeds 2000kg/DM/Ha. This high biomass stretches from the Border Rivers to the Barwon and southwest coast of Victoria. Northern Australia, including Cape York, shows green standing dry matter levels of more than 1250kg/Ha.

The Fractional Cover image highlights vegetation variability across the country. Active growth is seen in eastern NSW, Victoria, and Tasmania, even though total TSDM levels are still below desirable levels in some regions. The bright green on the map indicates that growth is occurring, which should soon lead to increased biomass levels. Growth is also happening across southwestern Western Australia, stretching from Geraldton southeast to the coast.

Dead standing dry matter levels remain very high across northern Australia and into central Queensland. Large amounts of dead standing feed, exceeding 1750kg/DM/Ha, are present from the eastern Kimberley through the Northern Territory into central Queensland. However, in the southern states, dead standing feed is sparse, with most regions recording less than 750kg/Ha.

When compared with the seasonal conditions averaged over the past 8 years, northern Australia, including the Barkly tablelands, Gulf & Cape York, and northeast Queensland, continues to show TSDM levels well above average. NSW, central Victoria, and parts of Tasmania are closer to the 8-year average. However, areas like northeast Tasmania and the Bass Strait Islands are experiencing conditions well below average. Southern Australia, along with the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions of Western Australia, also have below-average TSDM levels.

The National TSDM map shows positive accumulation of dry matter across Tasmania and the Bass Straight Islands as well as across Victoria, southeastern South Australia and in the southwest regions of Western Australia. This is a positive development for graziers in these regions. In eastern Australia TSDM continues to increase across the eastern half of NSW & eastern Queensland.

Levels of green standing dry matter levels are showing an increasing trend in southern Australia. In northern Australia, the high soil moisture levels across areas including the Barkly, Gulf and lower Cape York regions have seen levels of green dry matter significantly persist.

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

Active growth events, as represented by Fractional Cover reflect the extent of rainfall recorded during July. Despite some large areas of frost and low temperatures, growth has persisted across eastern states and into tropical Queensland.

Dead Standing Dry Matter levels remain very high across northern Australia and through into central Queensland. These large areas of dry standing material form a useful feed source; however, the excessive amounts (over 2000kg DM) may cause some issues as the dry season continues and the risk of fire increases.

Although there are positive trends emerging in the national feedbase, the seasonal ranking highlights how far behind many parts of southern Australia are in comparison to the 8-year average. Areas of Tasmania, Victoria and much of central and eastern South Australia are still well below the average for this time of the year, which does still pose a challenge for graziers. Central Queensland also largely remains below average, with producers needing to monitor the next few weeks closely.

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.