The severe dust storms which made international headlines in September are a reminder the drought is far from over and our rural communities are dealing with the effects everyday.

Natural Disaster Assistance is available for farmers who were affected by the dust storm.

Farmers in the Central Darling Shire and Far West areas to the north and west of the Shire are eligible to apply.

The assistance can help pay for the repair or replacement of property and infrastructure, including damage to pasture and crops.

Loans are available up to $130,000, at 2.85 per cent interest per annum with a two-year interest free and repayment free period.

Farmers can contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1 800 678 593.

The latest figures reveal 67.7 per cent of NSW is now drought declared, despite some good rain in coastal areas.

Initiatives such as the Gwydir Valley Pilot Project will help farmers deal with reduced water availability.

Industry and Investment NSW will be involved in this $21.7 million project, recently announced the Commonwealth.

It will provide irrigation infrastructure and training for the Gwydir community and support more efficient irrigation through farm modernisation projects.

Sheep invention wins TV award

I would like to congratulate Orange Agricultural Institute livestock researcher, Steve Semple, on his recent win on ABC Television's New Inventors program.

Mr Semple's Pedigree Matchmaker system of matching ewes to lambs was selected as the best invention on the episode.

The New Inventors judges were impressed with the way Pedigree MatchMaker combined animal science with computer science to develop a well designed, practical and original solution to the problem of matching lambs with their mothers.

It's great to see Mr Semple's research being recognised and I wish him every success, heading towards the program's grand final later this year.