Singleton farmers face intense spring drought in Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley is experiencing a significant drought, with approximately 20 per cent of the region classified as being in intense drought. Singleton has emerged as the epicentre of the crisis, where producers are facing a critical lack of paddock feed and depleting water sources due to a lack of run-off since the 2025 winter.

In response, Rural Aid has scheduled fodder deliveries to registered farmers on November 2. While scattered showers occurred throughout September and October, the seasonal outlook for the Upper Hunter has deteriorated.

In contrast, areas further north along the coast and parts of the North West, Central West, and New England have seen heavier rainfall and lush pastures. The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has issued a forecast suggesting a potential drop in drought intensity for the Hunter region through the end of December.