We continue to have the upper hand on the equine influenza (EI) outbreak, and much of the success in combating the disease can be attributed to our horse industries.

The support shown by horse owners - whether their interests are in race horses, stock horses or equestrian - has allowed the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to get on with the job of controlling and eradicating horse flu.

Compliance to movement regulations has resulted in many stories of hardship.

But now we are on the verge of something special - eradication.

Our response to the largest emergency animal disease in Australian history has been applauded around the world. It has corrected the doubters.

Continued vigilance is now the key to keeping NSW clean of horse flu.

Until the end of the year horse owners moving their animals must register with the NSW DPI online and get hold of a Travelling Horse Statement (THS).

Visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/horse/influenza for all the information.

Drought loosens grip

There is still a long way to go until the drought is over. But there seems to be a change in fortunes for many parts of the State.

Large parts of western NSW have moved out of drought for the first time in seven years.

For the first time in two years only 46.1 per cent of NSW is in drought - down from 52.6pc in December.

This is the third successive month that the drought figures have fallen.

The 271,500-hectare summer crop is enjoying success on the back of the excellent late December and January rain.

The sunflower crop has doubled this year to 21,000 hectares and sorghum sowings are around 176,400 hectares, also up on 2007.

Hopefully this solid start to 2008 will continue through the winter cropping season.