Areas of NSW Northern Tablelands, north coast and the Hunter Valley received more than 100–200 mm during August, whilst areas of the Central West, Central and Southern Tablelands, Riverina, far south and North West received between 50–100 mm.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Seasonal Conditions Co-ordinator Ian McGowen said during August 77 per cent received above average rainfall.

“Seventy seven per cent of NSW received wetter than normal conditions” said Mr McGowen.

Relative to historical records August pasture growth was well above average across most of northern, north eastern, western and central NSW and near average across the remainder of the state. Pasture growth was restricted in some areas of the tablelands, far south east and far west, with some areas in central and southern NSW experiencing waterlogging.

“The early sown winter crops continue to show the best potential, with yields in better drained areas or on lighter soils likely to be average to above average,” said Mr McGowen.

“In some areas of the Central West and Riverina crop losses from 10-30 per cent of sown area to complete crop failure have occurred. Pulse crops have been worst affected.

“The wet conditions have greatly increased crop disease problems such as yellow leaf spot and stripe rust in wheat and net blotch and bacterial stripe in barley.

“Pulse crop diseases such as Ascochyta blight and Botrytis grey mould in chickpeas are also significant threats to production.”

Across most of the state, stock condition remain reasonably positive, with supplementary feeding declining as pasture growth improved.

“The wet conditions have contributed to issues with foot scald, bloat and increased worm burdens for livestock producers,” Mr McGowen said.

During September wetter than normal conditions are likely across the southern areas of the central west and southern NSW.