State Seasonal Update Monthly indicators Crop and pasture condition
May 2026

Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) Anomaly

Plant greenness levels for the March to May 2026 period are variable across NSW.

  • Normal to above normal levels of plant greenness across parts of western, southern and southeastern NSW.
  • Below normal NDVI values persists for other areas in NSW.
  • The full influence of rainfall in late May and early June will be available in the next Update.

Note that some of the extremely negative NDVI areas (brown patches) are water bodies or from the influence of mining and forestry operations.

The NDVI anomaly is a useful indicator of vegetation density and plant health. It estimates the amount of green vegetation there is in the landscape compared to what is expected at the given time of year, against the baseline period 1987 - 2020.

Seasonal NDVI anomaly

Click on the scroll bar to view the map over the past 12 months.

Decision support for drought feeding livestock

Drought and Supplementary Feed Calculator

The Department's Drought & Supp Feed Calculator app has been re-released to support NSW livestock producers with their decision making as seasonal conditions change.

The Drought & Supp Feed Calculator simplifies decision making for livestock producers by enabling users to assess pastures and work out feed requirement and if supplementary feeding is needed, compare different supplements and ration mixes, and calculate the costs of different feeding options.

Search for Drought & Supp Feed Calculator and download the application from your app store.

myStockPlanner

myStockPlanner is an integrated livestock management tool focused on preparedness when faced with a drought or other feed deficit. The platform combines feed ration calculations with projections of livestock performance on pasture, tactical decision-making support during drought conditions (feed, sell or agist), and business planning functionality tailored to the user situation.

myStockPlanner: https://mystockplanner.dpi.nsw.gov.au/

Support Services

Producers and members of rural communities are encouraged to maintain contact with their local professionals who can facilitate access to appropriate support.

Local Land Services can assist landholders with drought planning and preparedness extension services; provide technical support including animal nutrition and management advice. Visit the LLS Drought Adoption Officer program website to find your local contact and more information.

The Rural Financial Counselling Service provide free, unbiased, independent, confidential and expert support to rural businesses in NSW. Contact RFCS Central and Southern NSW or  RFCS Northern Region.

The Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) is a non-clinical program funded by the NSW Ministry of Health delivering mental health promotion, prevention, and early intervention initiatives to help people to better prepare for, respond to and recovery from adversity. Visit their website to find out more.

Visit DroughtHub for support resources including business planning at: droughthub.nsw.gov.au

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