According to the latest Seasonal Conditions Report co-ordinator Ian McGowan rainfall was above average across 79 per cent of NSW

“The April rainfall stimulated sowings of dual purpose and later-maturing winter crops across most cropping areas, switching to earlier maturing varieties in May – and early sown forage crops have responded well,” Mr McGowen said.

“During April, rainfall across the state ranged from 8mm to 535 mm,” he said.

“Wetter than normal conditions are likely across most of NSW between May and July, with the probabilities increasing towards the west,” Mr McGowen said.

“This is as a result of warmer than normal sea surface temperatures to the north west and north east of Australia.”

Wagga farmer Andrew Dumaresq, “Gregadoo Park”, said the conditions were good.

Speaking during a visit from DuPont vice president, Dr Bill Niebur, Mr Dumaresq said winter crops were emerging well.

“We have had a good start with decent rainfall and the crops are starting to come through,” he said. “Things couldn’t look better,” he said.

Meanwhile, the rain wasn’t just beneficial for croppings. Graziers were also welcoming the top up to on-farm water storage.

And lucerne pastures received a welcome boost.