The western half of the region experienced a drier than average summer and early autumn period with the result of deterioration in pasture and cropping production. Stock condition is good to excellent throughout the region. Pasture quality and quantity is generally good to excellent with a few small areas which have only received lighter rainfall over the last few months experiencing decline in quantity due to hot, windy conditions during March. It is expected that large quantities of standover pastures on top of a prolonged and good pasture growing wet season will cause fire problems during the year, especially in the Normanton district. The area north of the Mt Isa to Townsville rail line has continued to receive storm rains, keeping pastures green for those fortunate to receive the falls but daily temperatures of in excess of 40c have forced the maturity of pastures and burnt others, south of the rail line.
Conditions are generally excellent and stock are continuing to do well in all districts.
Livestock movements remain slow as storms interfere with road conditions and transport. Rainfall has been variable across the central west with pastures maturing and burning off in some areas, but the bulk is still excellent. Stock are continuing to do very well. Cattle values continue to hold and in some cases, increase, in the Blackall and Longreach saleyards. Generally stock are holding their condition in this area.