Although winter crop production is forecast to increase by 66 per cent in 2008-09 to 37 million tonnes, the end result will once again depend on the rainfall received in late winter and spring.
The finish to the 2007-08 season highlighted the impact that poor spring rainfall can have on yield potential and a lack of rainfall during this period in 2008-09 could result in grain production being well below current estimates.
After the driest May on record and predictions of average rainfall over the next three months, the final result for of this years harvest is still a long way off.
The latest Bureau of Meteorology seasonal outlook for June through to August is for a 50 per cent chance of above average rainfall in southern NSW. Farmers will be hoping this prediction is conservative and that the region receives that all important spring rain to finish off crops and ensure a successful harvest.
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