This month’s drought figures reveal a slight change in fortune for parts of the State with the area of NSW in drought falling by 10 per cent to 78.8 per cent.

This is the lowest the drought figures have been in 12 months.

More rain is needed from one end of the State to the other to provide relief and the opportunity for pasture growth before cold winter weather sets in.

Croppers will have their fingers crossed during the next month for good falls of rain to sow the winter crop.

The later the break the more we can expect to see farmers turn to cereals instead of pulses and legumes.

Show success

This year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show was a success and I congratulate the Royal Agricultural Society for again holding a great event.

The show brings the best qualities of the bush to the city and is a great opportunity to educate city people about the role agriculture plays in providing safe and nutritious food and fibre products.

Those exhibitors who travelled to Sydney also deserve praise.

In the face of the worst drought on record, exhibitors showed great resilience to prepare and show stock of the highest quality.

About 15,000 competitors showcased their animals, produce and talent.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries exhibit attracted plenty of attention from show goers keen to learn more about the link between agriculture and the food products they take for granted each day.

New challenges

Under the newly re-elected Iemma government I have maintained the portfolios of Primary Industries and Mineral Resources and have had Energy and State Development added to my responsibilities.

I look forward to continuing the good work the Iemma government has done in the area of Primary Industries and Minerals and the challenges the new portfolios present.

Ensuring that primary industries – the backbone of rural and regional NSW – continue to prosper is one of my main goals as Primary Industries Minister.

I am also dedicated to ensuring the State government continues its tradition of supporting those people feeling the brunt of the long dry.