Farmers are facing some tough decisions now, including whether to offload surplus stock rather than face expensive feed bills, on top of those of the last few seasons.

Worst case predictions for this year’s winter crop season are becoming a reality for many of the State’s croppers as the desperately needed spring break fails to materialise, according to DPI cereals specialist Frank McRae.

With the latest grains report for NSW indicating prospects for all winter crops have now deteriorated – particularly in the central west and southern parts of NSW – Mr McRae said tough planning decisions had to be made.

“Estimates are now down a further 12 per cent on July figures, and if we don’t get rain in the next few weeks, we are looking at almost total crop failure in some districts,” he said.

“The dry conditions experienced in August and September in most parts of the cropping belt have affected all crops including oilseeds, with just 60pc of oats planted expected to be harvested for example.

“The crops that are struggling are also now too short to make hay in many cases, leaving grazing as the only option – and many croppers have already started grazing out.”

Mr McRae said Forbes and Nyngan were two examples where cropping was virtually written off. However, on a more positive note, there were some pockets with potential for some harvest.

“Those crops planted on a full profile of moisture that got some follow up rain around parts of Coonabarabran, Coonamble, Inverell, Moree and eastern parts of the Riverina could still do okay,” he said.

He said decisions made now would affect rotations for the next two years, and it was important croppers discussed options with their agronomists.

“They need to source quality seed for the following year, and recognise that if they can’t harvest enough seed from this year, they may face expensive product as a result of the harvest problems both here and also interstate,” he said.

“Those with crops that are failing need to look at their soil condition, and take care when putting stock on it as erosion becomes an issue with low moisture profile.”

NSW Drought Co-ordinator, Graeme Eggleston, regards the situation as critical.

“On top of the general reduction in crop predictions for this season, we are seeing some hot windy days now,” he said.

“The total yield from the 2005 crop in NSW was 9.75 million tonnes. Present estimates for 2006 are 6.4 million tonnes – a reduction of 35pc. This yield will fall dramatically as this hot windy weather continues.

“The next few weeks will be an important period of decision making for our farmers, both croppers and livestock producers, and we are urging them to seek as much advice as they need.

“We have a team of drought support workers across the state, who work in closely with the other drought service providers, as well as extension officers in both cropping and livestock who are all keen to do what they can to help.”

Mr Eggleston said his other major concern of the ongoing pressures generated by the drought was the potential impacts on mental health.

It’s a concern that’s shared by Parkes-based drought support worker, Jan Bruce, who is receiving almost daily calls from worried and stressed producers and their families.

“These farmers are very worried regarding the crop situation, and some of them have already put stock on crops, accepting that they have failed,” she said.

“The potential debt levels caused by another crop failure will result in very stressful financial situations for many producers, and we encourage them to seek help sooner rather than later, either via the rural mental health line 1800 201 123, their local drought support worker or rural financial counsellor.”

According to Goulburn-based drought support worker, Dick Kearins, grazing industries in the southern tablelands faced tough prospects with little grazing on offer for stock in the region.

“If we don’t receive rain by the end of the month, those livestock owners will need to make plans for an extensive hand feeding program into the summer months,” he said.

“They are going to need to start making some tough decisions, including possibly offloading surplus stock now rather than face expensive feed bills, which will add to those costs of the last few seasons when they have also had to buy in feed.”

Mr Kearins said it was important those farmers considering a hand feeding program had the funds required, with feed costs expected to increase.

Contact your local NSW DPI livestock officer or agronomist or call the DPI drought hotline on 1800 814 647. Other contact details can be found at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/drought