Sowing of the 2008 winter crop is about 85pc complete in NSW, with the State's farmers now looking to the skies for more rain to help secure the crop's future and above average yields.
NSW Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald said this week that recent rain coupled with above average temperatures and warm soils are helping crop germination and establishment in most parts of the State.
"There is now more than a glimmer of hope that we may see a change in fortunes for our crop producers," Mr Macdonald said.
"It is now a reality that almost the whole crop will be planted by the end of this month.
"We are predicting a 5.26 million hectare winter crop in NSW this year and recent rain will help us achieve this target, which is slightly up on 2007."
The NSW DPI reports that the best crop outlook is for the South-West Slopes such as Cowra, Harden, Grenfell and Young, where falls of up 40-50mm have been received since the beginning of June.
Grazing cereals and pastures at Blayney, Orange and Cumnock on the Central Tablelands and Slopes have also received a boost from the latest rains.
However, some parts of NSW such as the western Riverina around Finley, Jerilderie and Hay are yet to receive enough rain to plant their crops.
"Sadly, some producers in these districts are yet to sow a single seed," Mr Macdonald said.
"In the State's north, some of the better early sown crops are thriving at between Narrabri and Moree.
"Planting is underway on a large scale in the north with 1.45 million hectares of winter crop expected to be sown, predominately to wheat and chick peas."