Optimism for this year’s summer crops remains high as more of the State moves out of drought, Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald said today.

Minister Macdonald said the latest drought figures showed further improvement in conditions for the State’s rural sector, including predictions of above yield potential for summer crops.

"The area in drought continues to decrease, with 40.3 per cent of NSW now drought declared (down from 46.1), while the area experiencing marginal conditions also dropped to 16 per cent from 21 per cent. 43.7 per cent of NSW is now satisfactory."  he said.

"More good rain was received by much of the eastern two thirds of the State during February which has helped continue good growth of summer crops.

"Sorghum, sunflower, dryland soybean and mungbean crops all generally have above average yield potential which promises much needed good income for these croppers.

"While we know we have a long way to go in terms of recovering from this long, difficult drought period -  and realise its not over for everyone -  it is still encouraging to see reports of regular rainfall and see the positive impact it is having."

Minister Macdonald said parts of the Forbes, Northern Slopes and Wilcannia Rural Lands Protection Boards (RLPBs) had moved from drought to marginal conditions.

This month, Coonabarabran, Molong, Narrabri and Nyngan RLPB’s moved to satisfactory.

"These figures represent a range of improvements including farm water supplies and pasture growth, which is good news for both croppers and livestock producers."  he said.

"As a result of improved pasture growth, particularly in the coastal regions, demand for hay has decreased while livestock condition is either holding or improving." 

However, in the south west slopes stock feed has deteriorated due to below average rain and storms.

"Unfortunately, things also remain tough for producers in the south west of the State, and particularly in the far south western border regions, which received very much below average to lowest on record falls last month."

Mr Macdonald said the Iemma Government’s commitment to drought assistance now exceeds $370 million, with essential support services to stay in place as long as required.

Latest drought map available at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/emergency/drought/situation/drought-maps

NEW DECLARATIONS (moved into drought)

Goulburn - All of Div A has moved into drought.

REVOCATIONS (moved out of drought)

Forbes - Division A moved from drought to marginal

Northern Slopes - Majority of Board moved from drought to marginal

Wilcannia - Part of Board moved from drought to marginal

ALTERATIONS (moved between marginal and satisfactory)

DECLINED (satisfactory to marginal)

IMPROVED (marginal to satisfactory)

Central Tablelands - Part of Board moved from marginal to satisfactory

Coonabarabran - Whole Board moved from marginal to satisfactory

Molong - Majority of Board moved from marginal to satisfactory. Whole board now satisfactory

Moree - Whole Board moved from marginal to satisfactory

Narrabri - Whole Board moved from marginal to satisfactory

Northern Slopes - Majority of Board moved from drought to marginal, rest of board moved from marginal to satisfactory

Nyngan - Part of Board moved from marginal to satisfactory. Whole of Board now satisfactory

Media contact: Jason Bartlett 0438 209 281 / Brett Fifield 0427 029 511