Below average rainfall during August means widespread drought conditions continue to affect NSW regional communities, and agronomic conditions will deteriorate further.
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95 per cent of the state remains in drought. The north and central west - including the Northern Tablelands - and parts of the far west are in intense drought (the most extreme of three categories).
"The prospects of the drought breaking this coming spring are not favorable," Dr Anthony Clark, the NSW Department of Primary Industries' Leader of Climate Applications, said.
"This drought has now gone for 24 months or more in many parts of NSW, resulting in failed cropping seasons, low water availability, and stock feed deficits."
Winter rainfall - important for hydrological and soil water recharge - was below average for much of the state.
"This creates a challenging scenario for water resource managers, irrigators, and dryland farming operations over the next six months," Dr Clark said.
Field reports, Dr Clark said, indicate very low ground cover, and a low area of winter crop. Without soil moisture or irrigation water, the prospects of sowing summer crop are also poor at this stage.
While the southern and eastern NSW are still drought-affected, late winter rainfall and warmer than average temperatures supported some crop and pasture growth.
The official Bureau of Meteorology forecast states that the likelihood of above median rainfall is 30 per cent or lower for much of the state.
A 'state-of-the-art' emergency command vehicle will bring 'front-line' drought assistance to regional communities, Brett Fifield, DPI's Deputy Director General of Engagement and Industry Assistance, said.
"The drought assistance bus will tour the state from Tenterfield to Trangie and Broken Hill to Bathurst," Mr Fifield said.
NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) and Rural Resilience teams will help farmers with questions about assistance, complete applications on the spot, and talk about what help they need.
"We are committed to connecting with communities, industries and people," Mr Fifield said. "Therefore, I would encourage anyone who needs support or struggling with what help is available to visit the team."
The drought is a prolonged and severe event affecting many parts of the state. For all drought-related advice or assistance, please visit droughthub.nsw.gov.au.
Alternatively, you can contact the DPI Rural Resilience Team, Rural Financial Counsellors, or your Local Land Services representatives, who can help you find assistance.