Oat plantings for stock production on the Darling Downs have been largely reduced and there is likely to be an increase in supplementary feeding as the quality and quantity of pastures is reduced. The severity and frequency of frosts have reduced the quality of pastures. The sale of hay and cottonseed has increased. Protein lick blocks are being used where there is insufficient quantity of pasture available. With dry conditions and cooler nights, most horticulture industries have reported favourable growing conditions, especially for bananas.
Mangoes have had a good flowering season, however, it is too early to comment on fruit set.
Drier conditions have meant that potato crops are being irrigated and frosts have affected some crops, mainly in the Ravenshoe area. Cane harvesting should finish earlier than normal due largely to the smaller crop. Rainfall in the Dawson and Callide Valleys has been less than most crops needed to reach their potential, given the reasonable start to the season. Wheat crops planted in low lying areas have suffered frost damage and some are showing signs of moisture stress, particularly those that were double cropped or planted in lighter soil types. The chickpea crops planted are faring slightly better with many now in the pod fill stage.