This paddock 10km from Longreach had no early rain and no grass growth this year. “We didn’t get too upset when the hot winds and the heat came because we had no grass to lose,” the property owner told AgForce’s Tahna Jackson.

These pictures from Tahna Jackson, who has been AgForce’s regional manager in Longreach for the past eight years, lay bare the stark reality of the severe drought gripping Queensland’s Central west.

Ms Jackson says the relentless daily battle to keep stock alive has pushed many producers to the point of physical, mental and financial exhaustion.

Pressure from large kangaroo populations on remaining pastures and waters, predation on drought-weakened stock from wild dogs and more recently a locust plague has exacerbated an already dire situation.

We could be looking at the same area as the picture above but this was taken nearly 200km away between Blackall and Isisford. This area did receive some early rain, but the hot winds and high temperatures have now reclaimed what little grass grew.

The lack of pasture and stock has also starved cash flow, inhibiting the ability of producers to service debt, or to hire any outside labour to help shoulder the relentless daily workload.

“It is a situation of complete frustration,” Ms Jackson told Beef Central.

“People are tired and over worked, and more and more accidents are occurring.

“Some producers are just too old to work all day and shoot roos all night.”

Large kangaroo populations, which bred up following successive wet years from 2009 to 2011, were swarming whatever pastures producers still had and were trying to save.

Kangaroos were dying from malnutrition in dams, drains and troughs and near house fences. This in turn was leading to billions of blow flies and roo ticks being bred, and precious waters being fouled if not constantly cleaned out and managed.

Locust swarms are now mowing down whatever grass remains and the last green sanctuaries farmers and townspeople have been trying to maintain in their gardens.

Plants and lawns people have struggled to keep alive through three years of very little rain have been decimated within days on the hoppers’ arrival.

Locust swarms on a Longreach rose bush.

“People’s gardens in times of drought are havens,” Ms Jackson said.

“I think Mother Nature is playing with us and testing how much soul she can suck out of all of us.”

Cattle sales in Longreach have formally been cancelled until the season improves, adding to the ever increasing list of negative effects of drought on the whole community, Ms Jackson said.

Locust droppings in Tahna Jackson’s back yard last week – this area had been swept clean just two hours earlier.

Many producers in the region have utilised government assistance under the Emergency Water Rebate Scheme to lay hundreds of kilometres of poly pipe, new troughs and to cart water to thirsty stock.

While dry conditions have presented a chance to desilt dry dams, Ms Jackson said the enormous costs involved had meant many producers had not been able to take advantage of the opportunity.

Focusing daily energies on keeping stock alive meant there was very little time to spend on property maintenance or general running operations.

“The health and well-being of grazing families, employees, local shop owners, really everyone living in this region are suffering in some shape or form due to this drought,” Ms Jackson said.

“Most are aware of the depression that can be caused by the stress associated with extended drought conditions and associated flow on effects to all whom live and work in this region.

“I personally urge everyone to keep an eye on friends neighbours and family, try to keep up social contacts and other interests as much as possible.

“I know it is difficult to maintain a positive attitude with so many issues happening, most of which is out of your control. We are a day closer to rain, how many days, I’m not sure but a day closer.”

Farmer Assist program

Ms Jackson also urged farmers to consider the benefits of taking advantage of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia’s “Farmer Assist” program.

The free service connects landholders who have wildlife management issues with professional, accredited and insured SSAA shooters who are prepared to travel to the farmer’s property.

Landholders can post a request for assistance on the SSAA Farmer Assist website. They will then receive expressions of interest from SSAA members who are able to help. The farmer/producer can then analyse the list of respondents and choose which one/s to invite onto their property.

“I have not had any bad feedback on this program and would encourage all graziers/producers/farmers to take advantage of this free service,” Ms Jackson said.

Drought information and contacts

AgForce has provided the following list of Drought Information and Assistance contacts:

For further updates visit the AgForce website.

If you encounter problems with any of the contact details provided or know of other useful sources of assistance please notify Dale Miller at AgForce (phone 07 3236 3100 or email [email protected]).