Rainfall across the southern section of the Townsville Stock District has resulted in a good start to the season but possibly too late for some properties with wet cows, which have been dragged down by early season calves. Many areas have experienced record monthly rainfall which has resulted in the best start to the season for many years. The area around Laura has only had token rainfall. The fire season has now turned into an excellent grass season. Livestock are making an early recovery from the dry in all areas.
Water supply is good.
Cattle prices are the highest for many years and demand seems to be increasing. Many forbs have also responded to the rain and will provide a variety of green pick for the start of summer. Standing feed is abundant and quality is high as new growth emerges. Livestock condition has not changed, but will improve significantly as the effect of November's rainfall is realised. In general, feeding supplements will cease as protein levels of pastures are now at a high.