More rainfall is urgently needed across most areas of the state to assist the state’s primary producers with winter production.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Seasonal Conditions Coordinator Ian McGowen stated rainfall across the state was generally 60-80 per cent  less than normal.

“Pasture growth was variable across the state, but generally slowed due to the cooler overnight temperatures and drier conditions” he said.

“Growth was above average in areas of the south and south east, but below average across areas of the north west, central west, northern tablelands and much of the far west.”

Rankin Springs farmer David Groat says that his crops are hanging on, but if there is no substantial rain in the next four to six weeks, he would be in “dire straights”.

“My crops are not dead yet, but just not growing much” he said.

“We have a number of different soil types, and the heaver soil is definitely struggling, while the sandy soil isn’t good either but doing better.”

“Between the frosts affecting my livestock feed, the vermin especially mice, and the lack of rainfall, we are all on tenterhooks.”

Mr McGowan said that in some areas, rainfall and soil moisture were insufficient for sowing and good establishment, and rainfall is needed in these areas during June, to complete sowing.

“The lack of soil moisture may also limit the recovery of some grazing crops.”

And indeed Mr Groat found sowing a slow process, due to the “stopping and starting” due to dryness. 

“Hopefully we can get a good 30 to 35 mils of rain, the sooner the better, but we’ve had bugger all so far.”

Mr Groat said while farmers plan their crops with drought in mind, they just have to stick at it and do everything they can.