Coastal areas, such as Albany and Esperance, have shown some improvement, with biomass levels reaching 750-1000 kg/DM/ha in some regions.

Conclusion

The variability in biomass growth across Australia highlights the ongoing impact of weather patterns on the country’s feedbase. While some regions have experienced improvements in green and total standing dry matter, others continue to face dry conditions and limited vegetation recovery. Monitoring these trends is crucial for farmers and policymakers to make informed decisions about grazing management and resource allocation.

As we move further into the year, continued monitoring and analysis of biomass growth will be essential to assess the long-term impact of weather events and climate conditions on Australia’s agricultural sector.

The Latest Updates on Biomass Levels and Ground Cover Across Different Regions in Australia

Recent reports on biomass levels and ground cover across various regions in Australia provide valuable insights into the current conditions affecting feed availability for livestock. Here is a summary of the latest findings:

Coastal Zones vs. Inland Regions

Coastal zones, such as Albany and Esperance, have shown slight gains in biomass levels. However, dry conditions persist in inland regions, keeping many areas at critically low levels of biomass (<250 kg/DM/ha).

Central Australia

In Central Australia, there has been very little change in biomass levels, with widespread areas, including Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, and Birdsville, remaining below 250 kg/DM/ha. The lack of sufficient rainfall has led to severe feed shortages in these regions.

Tasmania and Southeastern South Australia

Steady improvements in biomass levels have been observed in Tasmania and southeastern South Australia. Localized pockets, including Hobart, Devonport, and Mount Gambier, have reached levels of 1500–2000 kg/DM/ha. Some areas that were previously in the lower range have also seen gains, enhancing grazing potential.

Dead Standing Dry Matter (DSDM): Variability Across Regions

The DSDM maps for mid-December 2024 to early February 2025 reveal the following:

• Northern Australia: Central and northern Queensland have experienced a reduction in dead biomass levels, with some areas transitioning from 750–2000 kg/DM/ha to 250–750 kg/DM/ha. While recent rainfall has improved green biomass, residual dead biomass in certain areas could still pose challenges for livestock.
• Southern States: Dead biomass remains sparse across much of Victoria, Tasmania, and southeastern South Australia. Southwest Victoria and southeastern South Australia are seeing increased green biomass, but residual dead biomass is noticeable in drier pockets.
• Central Australia: Dead biomass remains critically low across central Australia, reflecting persistent arid conditions.
• Southwestern Western Australia: Localized increases in dead biomass are evident in certain regions, indicating ongoing dry conditions and slow recovery.
• Western and Northern Western Australia: Residual dead biomass remains in scattered pockets, reflecting leftover plant material.

Ground Cover Contrasts

The ground cover maps for mid-December 2024 to early February 2025 highlight shifts in vegetation cover and bare ground expansion:

• Central Australia: Extensive areas of bare ground persist, particularly in regions like Alice Springs and Tennant Creek.
• Western Australia: Bare ground expansion is significant in interior and northern regions, while the southwest retains more vegetation cover.
• Northern Australia: Ground cover has remained relatively stable, but localized increases in bare ground are evident in certain regions.
• Southeastern Australia: Dense vegetation cover dominates this region, with most areas maintaining low levels of bare ground.
• Southwestern Western Australia: Drying conditions have increased bare ground, especially in inland areas.

Conclusion

For more detailed and localized information, users are encouraged to explore the Cibo Labs Regional Comparison tool. This tool provides regional data that can show the impact of local weather events. Additionally, the Australian Feedbase Monitor account allows for a further level of detail for individual properties, enabling land managers to make data-informed decisions tailored to their unique feedbase conditions and needs.

Access the Cibo Labs National Comparison for the most recent images at a national, state, or catchment level. The Australian Feedbase Monitor can also be created within the Cibo Labs website for more personalized insights.

the title: “The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health”

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, with billions of people using platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat to connect with friends, share photos and updates, and stay informed about the world around them. While social media can be a valuable tool for communication and networking, it also has a significant impact on our mental health.

One of the biggest issues with social media is the pressure to present a perfect version of ourselves to the world. People often only share the highlights of their lives, such as exotic vacations, fancy meals, and happy moments, leading others to believe that everyone else is living a more exciting and fulfilling life. This can create feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, as individuals compare their own lives to the seemingly perfect lives of others.

Additionally, social media can also contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation. While social media allows us to connect with people all over the world, these connections are often superficial and lack the depth and intimacy of real-life relationships. Spending excessive amounts of time scrolling through social media feeds can also lead to feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out) and can prevent individuals from engaging in meaningful face-to-face interactions.

Furthermore, social media can have a negative impact on mental health by promoting unhealthy comparison and competition. Seeing others achieve success or receive validation online can trigger feelings of jealousy and envy, further contributing to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

On top of that, the constant exposure to curated and often unrealistic images and lifestyles on social media can also lead to body image issues and disordered eating behaviors. Studies have shown that frequent use of social media is associated with higher levels of body dissatisfaction and lower self-esteem, particularly among young people.

In conclusion, while social media can be a useful tool for staying connected and informed, it is important to be mindful of its impact on our mental health. It is essential to set boundaries around social media use, practice self-care, and prioritize real-life relationships and experiences. By being aware of the potential pitfalls of social media and taking steps to mitigate its negative effects, we can maintain a healthy relationship with technology and protect our mental well-being.