But farmers want to see more done for multi-peril crop insurance. In a year that is shaping up to be tough, with lack of rain and much of the state in drought, Mark Hoskinson of “Fernleigh”, Kikoira says removing stamp duty from crop insurance would have been a big step forward. “At the moment it (insurance) is out of the reach of many people,” he said. 

He said improvements to insurance would mean farmers could further manage their own risk each year. “It would really take the pressure off,” he said. 

NSW Farmers’ President Derek Schoen welcomed the $250 million Farm Innovation Fund which would ultimately assist in research and development. He also acknowledged the announcement of $50,000 interest-free loans over seven years. 

Better weather forecasting got $24.4 million in the form of three Doppler radars. Mr Schoen said the proposed Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund of $4.154 billion provides an opportunity to deliver a big vision for agriculture. 

“The investments and funding commitments contained in this Budget represent a down-payment in the further growth of the agriculture sector,” Mr Schoen said.  

THE SPEND: