Please note: this snapshot is only one source of information that is needed to understand seasonal conditions such as drought to inform government and industy.
The Tasmanian Seasonal Conditions Report (Indicators Snapshot) is produced by the Department to provide a brief snapshot of current seasonal, economic and agronomic conditions for Tasmania. The snapshot is updated by AgriGrowth Tasmania within the Department.
December 2025
Seasonal Conditions Insights Commentary for December 2025 (PDF 639Kb)
Drought cycle status
| Average Seasonal Conditions | North East, East Coast, Flinders Island, King Island, Circular Head, West Coast, Derwent Valley, Central Highlands |
Preparedness
| South East, Tasman Peninsula |
| Emerging Drought Conditions | Nil
|
| In Drought | Nil |
| Transition to Recover | Nil
|
Refer to: Fact Sheet: Seasonal Conditions and Drought – Tasmania (September 2025) for details on the phased drought decision-making framework used in Tasmania.
Seasonal Conditions and Drought Tasmania -Fact Sheet (PDF 339Kb)
Primary Indicators
Rainfall totals in December were below to very much below average across parts of northern and north western Tasmania, including the Furneaux Islands, while some central and southern inland areas recorded above average rainfall. Over the 12 month period from January to December 2025, rainfall was below average across most of Tasmania, with the Tasman Peninsula and the far north east experiencing very much below average totals.
The Bureau of Meteorology outlook for January to March 2026 indicates a high likelihood of above average maximum and minimum temperatures across Tasmania. Rainfall is forecast to be below average in southern areas, with no strong rainfall signal for the remainder of the state.
Additional Climatic Indicators
Soil moisture (Near average)
Soil moisture declined from the above‑average levels recorded in November to near‑average conditions in December, consistent with the reduced rainfall. However, the West and Central Highlands continued to record above to very much above‑average soil moisture, reflecting earlier wet conditions.
Run-off (Average)
Runoff was below to very much below average in the North, North-east, and Midlands, representing a decline from the average conditions recorded in November. In contrast, the West and South-west maintained near-average runoff, following several months of above-average streamflow.
Water (Irrigation season well underway)
Below average rainfall for December resulted in an increase in water access restrictions due to reduced river levels. Irrigation schemes are in full swing.
Economic and Agronomic Indicators
Markets (Stable)
Beef exports face a dynamic environment due to tariffs influencing market conditions but economic environment and producer confidence has largely remained positive for the broader agriculture industry.
Livestock (Strong prices continue)
Red meat prices in Tasmania remained firm, with strong demand from re-stockers and processors driving cattle and lamb prices higher, particularly for feeder heifers and heavy lambs.
Horticulture (Cool weather delays)
Cherry and berry season delayed due to cooler weather. Quality expected to be excellent all round and volumes reported to be up on previous years.
Field crops (Harvest approaching)
Final growth stages, with harvest beginning with canola at the end of December.
Pasture growth lifting after cooler temperatures.
Fodder Availability: Hay and silage cutting well underway, quality reported to be average. Grain supply remains normal. No constraints in local supply availability.
Social Indicators
On-ground intelligence
Sentiment remains positive as commodity prices remain steady.
Support
Support measures are always available to farmers in need. Support available includes:
- Rural financial counselling service
- Farm Household Allowance
- AgriGrowth Loan Scheme
- Farm Management Deposits
- Regional Investment Corporation Loans
Local Economy
The monthly inflation series showed the inflation rate was 3.4% in the twelve months to November down from 3.8% in the twelve months to October.
Freight and logistics
Freight services are operating normally, with normal seasonal increases for fresh freight produce occurring.
The total number of animals shipped YTD is less than the same time in 2024.
Resources
The National Drought Agreement (NDA) between the Australian, state and territory governments was updated in 2024. It provides
an overarching framework for nationally coordinated drought policy.
a clear pathway for how jurisdictions will work together on drought policies and programs to help farming businesses, farming families and farming communities to manage and prepare for future challenges and risks in a variable and changing climate.
The Tasmanian Drought Framework has been developed on a 'phased approach' to the drought cycle that uses meterological (rainfall), agronomic (production) and socio-economic indicators to determine if an area is moving towards or away from a drought.
Seasonal Conditions and Drought Tasmania -Fact Sheet (PDF 360Kb)
National Drought Agreement (PDF 234Kb)
More information is available through the below links for Seasonal Conditions:
Weathernow Map - Real time weather and climate information tools
Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) - Long-range weather, climate and hydrology
NRE Tas Water Portal - Where all water data including current and historic river flow data is held.
Tasmanian Irrigation Dam Levels - Tasmanian Irrigation has developed a new system that enables reporting on irrigation scheme water storages. This data is updated daily at 00:15 Hrs AEST.
Farming Forecaster - Developed with graziers, Farming Forecaster places soil moisture, local weather, pasture production, and livestock performance information at graziers' fingertips.
Please note: information contained on this webpage provides general information relating to seasonal conditions and the State’s agricultural sector and food production. Its contents are intended for informational purposes only. The Crown in Right of the State of Tasmania, its officers, employees and agents do not accept liability, however arising, including liability for negligence, for any loss arising from the use or reliance upon the content of this document. No liability or responsibility is accepted for the consequences of any inaccuracy in this document, and persons relying upon it do so at their own risk absolutely.
More information
If you have feedback, contact AgriGrowth Tasmania through Farmpoint.