Easing of drought conditions across the State herald renewed hopes 2008 may see an end to this record-breaking drought.

In this, my first column for 2008, I wish all the best for the State’s primary industries and may we witness a season that is memorable for all the right reasons.

Flooding rains in the north and Central West have been bittersweet for farmers and affected communities. Their efforts are ongoing in the recovery of fencing, farm infrastructure, buildings and rebuilding livestock numbers.

The Department of Primary Industries is planning a series of recovery workshops to help landholders get back on their feet.

Information is available at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/emergency/flood

Natural Disaster Assistance is available for many families. To check your eligibility contact the Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) on 1800 678 593.

Rain across NSW in late December have helped drought figures drop to just over 52 per cent - the lowest figure in more than 18 months.

Another 19.5pc of NSW is marginal (up from 14.9pc last month). 27.9pc of the State is satisfactory (up from 15.7pc).

This time last year 93pc of NSW was drought ravaged and the outlook was bleak.

Now many dams are filling, soil moisture levels are improving and pasture is kicking along in some areas.

There is positive news also on the equine influenza front.

It is now believed that the disease may be eradicated from NSW by the end of March.

At the height of the outbreak almost 6000 properties were infected. Now, there is only a handful.

The support of our horse industries and the hard work of the NSW DPI have been pivotal in turning the horse flu situation around and ultimately stamping out the disease.

However, now is no time to slacken our biosecurity efforts. We are on the home straight but much more work needs to be done before NSW is horse flu free.

You can monitor the fight against horse flu and read all information about zoning at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/equine-influenza