Chairman of Riverina Citrus, Frank Battistel, Griffith said the survey of growers from throughout the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) was now complete.

Although he anticipated the final estimate to be out by mid March he said early indications were that the crop was back in yield. "We have completed the count survey, and will shortly undertake the size assessment," he said.

"But we can release a preliminary estimate for the industry.

"We anticipate the valencia and mid-season varieties will have a yield reduction of approximately 20 per cent and the navel production will drop by about 15 per cent in 2010/2011", he said.

"There has been some impact from the unusually hot November, but the crops are recovering strongly," Mr Battistel said.