November rain improved summer crop conditions, with 20 per cent of the state receiving above-average rainfall.
Above-average rainfall occurred across the far south west, Murray Valley, south east and scattered areas of the north west, far north coast and south west slopes.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Seasonal Conditions Coordinator Ian McGowen said 73 per cent of the state received near-average rainfall during November.
“Rainfall ranged from 1 mm to 259 mm across NSW during November, with most of the eastern half of state, the south and south west receiving 25 mm -100 mm. Thunderstorms were common, due to easterly winds feeding moist tropical air across the state,” Mr McGowen said.
“The easterly winds also affected daytime and overnight temperatures, which were generally below average in the north east of the state, across the central coast to north coast, Hunter Valley, northern tablelands and areas of the north west.
“During November, topsoil moisture improved across eastern and south eastern NSW and some central and southern areas. Particular improvements in topsoil moisture occurred across areas of the south coast, Monaro, southern tablelands and lower Hunter Valley.
“Summer growing and perennial pastures continued to respond to the rainfall and warm temperatures across most of the slopes, tablelands, Monaro and the coast. However, some declines in growth occurred across areas of the upper Hunter Valley, central west, north west and western Riverina as well as areas of the far west.
“The storms and rainfall in November and early December presented challenges for haymaking across the slopes and tablelands and resulted in some loss of quality.
“The November and early December rain benefited summer crops, improving soil moisture levels and early-season yield prospects for cotton and sorghum. The rainfall encouraged further sowing of sorghum, and increased interest in other summer crops such as mung beans and sunflowers.
“Harvest of winter crops across the north west slopes and plains was virtually completed during November, with only later crops on the eastern slopes yet to be harvested.
“The October-early November rainfall improved yields of later maturing crops across the south east, central west slopes, south west slopes, Riverina and Murray Valley. Yields were greater than expected, compensating to some extent for the extremely dry winter conditions and damaging frosts.
