Conditions vary between those who have had "no chance" sub 100mm year to date (YTD), to those with "half a chance" sub 200mm YTD and those still in the game at over 200mm YTD, which is still less than half Junee's annual rainfall of 500mm.

It is remarkable how well many farmers have done with so little rainfall and it is a real credit to them and the systems they use.

The big story again is groundcover. It has proven to be critical in retaining soil moisture and allowing crop emergence at the correct time.

Those crops with the greatest surface cover are hanging on the longest.

Graziers have found perennial pastures disappointing this winter in contrast to dual purpose crops and "pasture crops". The blended cropping mixes have again been superb as measured in the number of livestock they have carried through the winter.

Barley looks to be king again, making it seven out of the last eight years that it has generated the highest income from cropping. In this season we are just hoping it breaks even.

Canola is another crop that has had its moments. Many crops have produced high biomass but frosting has killed high numbers of the developing seeds.

While there will be a large number of crops cut again this year, there are some who were lucky to avoid the frost and may well return a profit as a result of that biomass.

Main season wheat is the sad story. It simply requires more rain than other crops. Some are already under terminal moisture stress and many others are headed that way.

Farmers, suppliers and local businesses need a massive rain event soon to generate the tonnes needed for an economic return.

Hart Bros Seeds will be holding its annual spring field day on October 9, showcasing varieties of wheat, canola and barley that can best handle tough conditions.

The day will start with a farm tour in the morning, returning to the trial site at Hart Bros for the afternoon. All are welcome to come for the day or just lunch, a decent hot brew from the sponsored coffee van and a chat.