Sowing of the 2008 winter crop is about 85 per cent complete with the State’s farmers now looking to the skies for more rain to help secure the crop’s future and above average yields, Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald, said today.

"Recent rain coupled with above average temperatures and warm soils are helping crop germination and establishment in most parts of NSW," Minister Macdonald said.

"There is now more than a glimmer of hope that we may see a change in fortunes for our crop producers.

"It is now a reality that almost the whole crop will be planted by the end of this month.

"We are predicting a 5.26 million hectare winter crop in NSW this year and recent rain will help us achieve this target, which is slightly up on 2007.

"The best spots are the South-West Slopes such as Cowra, Harden, Grenfell and Young where crops are charging out of the ground on the back of combined falls of up 40-50mm since the beginning of June.

"Grazing cereals and pastures at Blayney, Orange and Cumnock on the Central Tablelands and Slopes have received a tremendous boost from the latest rains.

"However, some parts such as the western Riverina around Finley, Jerilderie and Hay are yet to receive enough rain to plant their crops.

"Sadly, some producers in these districts are yet to sow a single seed.

"In the State’s north, some of the better early sown crops are thriving at between Narrabri and Moree.

"Planting is underway on a large scale in the north with 1.45 million hectares of winter crop expected to be sown, predominately to wheat and chick peas."

Where the rain has fallen in June:

Bathurst 32mm, Condobolin 32mm, Coonamble, 35mm, Cowra 46mm, Forbes 51mm Grenfell 37mm, Gunnedah 57mm, Nyngan 58mm, Orange 51mm, Parkes 46mm, Tamworth 64mm, Young 38mm.

Media contact: Trudy Glasgow 0427 217 354