NEW SOUTH WALES remains a state of ‘two halves’ with good autumn rains buoying the spirits of farmers in the central and southern regions of the state, while those in the northern and western areas continue to tackle drought conditions.
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The latest Rabobank Rural Confidence survey also revealed the strong underlying confidence prevailing in the agricultural sector, with around two-thirds of the state’s producers planning to actively incorporate the next generation into their business through succession.
The survey – completed last month – found that nearly half of the state’s farmers (46 per cent) expect conditions in the agricultural economy to improve over the coming 12 months, up considerably from 29pc previously.
While those with a pessimistic outlook halved to 14pc and a similar percentage continued to expect stable conditions – at 38pc.
Rabobank’s Rural Confidence Survey questions an average of 1000 primary producers across a wide range of commodities and geographical areas throughout Australia on a quarterly basis.
Rabobank state manager for New South Wales ‘TJ’ (Tjerk- Martijn) Mulder said that while confidence had rallied in response to the outstanding autumn rains that had fallen across central and southern NSW, conditions remained desperately dry throughout parts of the north.
“After such a dry, hot summer, the rains couldn’t have come at a better time for some, setting up many farmers for a good cropping program and replenishing pasture and water reserves,” Mr Mulder said.
“The rains have kicked off a hive of activity, with farmers busy getting their winter cropping program in on an excellent soil moisture profile.
The milder conditions have also boosted crop and pasture growth although producers will be looking for some follow-up rains before winter sets in.”
In contrast, Mr Mulder said there was minimal planting taking place up north and unless good rains were received over the next few weeks, the outcome would be similar to last year’s poor harvest.
With season front-of-mind for the majority of the state’s farmers, 73pc of those expecting conditions in the agricultural economy to improve cited the season – up from 54pc.
By region, farmers were particularly upbeat about their production prospects in Central NSW, Riverina, South Coast/Southern Highlands and parts of the North West slopes and plains.
On the flipside, 56pc were expecting conditions to worsen on the back of drought conditions, down from 83pc.
More detail at www.rabobank.com.au/research/pa ges/rural-confidence-survey.aspx.
