And rain bucketed down throughout the Riverina on Anzac Day to coincide perfectly with the region’s traditional winter crop sowing deadline. 

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Seasonal Conditions Coordinator Ian McGowen said during March rainfall was above average across more than half of NSW, particularly north eastern, northern, central and coastal NSW.

“Rainfall across the state ranged from 0-1170 mm during March,” Mr McGowen said.

“March was the second-warmest on record for NSW, following the record set in 2016. Overnight temperatures were the warmest on record, with daytime temperatures well above average in the west.”

“Overall, pasture growth was affected by the hot and dry summer conditions and remained low into March, particularly across western NSW, the western Riverina and western areas of the central west,” he said. 

“The March rainfall stimulated the germination of annual grasses and legumes and the growth of perennial pastures across much of NSW. Good autumn and winter growth will be dependent on warmer conditions and follow up rainfall in many areas.

“Stock condition was average to good, with supplementary feeding of breeding and younger stock necessary in some areas until pasture quantity and quality is sufficient to maintain condition,” he said.   

“Paddock preparation is also underway, particularly weed control, for main season winter crop sowings,” Mr McGowen said.