Much of the State’s winter cropping belt is anxiously looking for rain to ensure a good season this year, Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald said today.

Minister Macdonald said the March figures show drought has increased slightly to 42.9%, up from 40.3 the previous month, while 11.5% of the State is marginal (down from 16%) and the area experiencing satisfactory conditions has increased to 45.6% (up from 43.7%).

Minister Macdonald said while the latest drought figures showed only a slight shift in areas affected by drought, the main concern for farmers was the rain needed to guarantee a good winter crop result.

"Winter crop prospects are high across NSW, but are dependant on a good general Autumn break," he said.

"In a timely reminder that the drought is not over, March was generally dry across most of the State, with only the central west and south eastern regions getting useful storm rainfall around Easter.

"This means subsoil moisture levels are highly variable " which is why rainfall in coming weeks is crucial to prepare ground for winter sowing.

"Our winter croppers are desperate to recover from the long drought period and are keen to get grain in the ground on the best possible soil moisture profile.

"The forecast for the winter crop is about 5.4 million hectares, up 6% on last year."

Minister Macdonald said sorghum was the star crop of the summer season, with overall production around 796,000tonnes from 179,000 hectares.

"Harvest has also commenced on maize in the Riverina, with very good yields reported, and rice and cotton harvests are due to start in coming weeks," he said.

Producers are also being encouraged to monitor their paddocks and report any signs of locust egg laying to their local Rural Lands Protection Board (RLPB).

"This will help DPI and the Australian Plague Locust Commission plan any necessary control measures for the Spring, "he said.

Minister Macdonald said livestock condition remained good across NSW, and in many of the northern and coastal regions was improving through excellent pasture growth.

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)

Central Tablelands: Part of Division A moved from marginal to drought

Hume: Divisions C, D E, F & H moved from marginal to drought (Whole Board now in drought)

Wilcannia: North-western part of Board moved from marginal to drought

Yass: Whole Board moved from marginal to drought

ALTERATIONS (moved between marginal and satisfactory)

DECLINED (satisfactory to marginal)

Bombala: Whole Board moved from satisfactory to marginal

Central Tablelands: Part of Division C moved from satisfactory to marginal

Hunter: Division C moved from satisfactory to marginal

Molong: All of Division’s A & C and the northern part of Division B moved from satisfactory to marginal

New England: Divisions B & D moved from satisfactory to marginal

IMPROVED (marginal to satisfactory)

Central Tablelands: Part of Division A, B and C moved from marginal to satisfactory

Cobar: North western portion of Board moved from marginal to satisfactory

Dubbo: Division C and most of Division B moved from marginal to satisfactory

Milparinka: Eastern part of the Board moved from marginal to satisfactory

Wilcannia: North eastern part of Board moved from marginal to satisfactory

RETROSPECTIVE (alterations to previous declarations)

Goulburn: Division A was mistakenly declared drought rather than marginal (with exception of the north-west corner) for March 2008. Retrospective change to declaration for March 2008 is required (ie stays the same in March and April as it was in February 2008).

Media contact: Jason Bartlett 0438 209 281 / Trudy Glasgow 0427 217 354