The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) September Seasonal Conditions Report has revealed Spring is likely to see drier and warmer than normal conditions across most of NSW.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
DPI Seasonal Conditions Coordinator, Mr Ian McGowen said the forecast follows a somewhat promising month.
“Last month’s rainfall was average or above across 76 per cent of NSW, with good falls across most of western, northern and coastal NSW,” Mr McGowen said.
“However, much of southern and central NSW received below average rainfall, and some areas received only patchy falls.”
Mr McGowen said some crops in southern and some central areas have already suffered as a result of moisture stress and frosts.
“Severe frosts in late July to early August caused damage to crops including wheat, lupins and canola, across southern and central NSW,” Mr McGowen said.
“Pasture growth has continued to slow across much of southern and south-central NSW during August, but did improve slightly along the coast, north and west.”
Mr McGowen said good rainfall throughout Spring is needed across NSW.
“Soil moisture across the state is now rapidly declining as the weather warms up,” Mr McGowen said.
“All areas need good rainfall in September, to provide moisture for grain filling, promote pasture growth, improve soil moisture profiles and to replenish stock water supplies ahead of summer.”
