new south wales Winter crops in New South Wales were badly affected by well below average rainfall in many parts of the state in the June–October period. Above average temperatures, in addition to the lack of rainfall, significantly reduced the yield potential of most crops. In central and northern New South Wales, variable rainfall during the growing season resulted in mixed outcomes for crops. Areas west of the Newell highway generally had lower rainfall, resulting in poor yields in many parts. In southern New South Wales, a good early start to the season was tempered by a dry winter and spring. Although rainfall in some areas during spring halted further crop deterioration, yields throughout southern New South Wales are expected to be well below average. The area planted to wheat in New South Wales in 2007-08 is estimated to have increased by 19 per cent to 4 million hectares. However, the lack of in-crop rainfall and above average temperatures during winter and early spring have resulted in below average yields. Wheat production is estimated at 1.8 million tonnes in 2007-08, 17 per cent below last year’s drought reduced crop. The area planted to barley is estimated to have increased by 12 per cent in 2007-08, to around 1 million hectares. Below average rainfall throughout the growing season is forecast to result in yields remaining well below the five year average. Barley production is estimated to increase by 18 per cent in 2007-08 to 650 000 tonnes. An ideal start to the season resulted in the area planted to canola increasing by 33 per cent to 240 000 hectares. However, reflecting a lack of in-crop rainfall, yields are expected to be poor. Substantial areas were cut for hay as producers realised that crops were unlikely to produce harvestable amounts of grain. Nevertheless, in 2007-08, canola production is estimated to increase by 33 per cent to 40 000 tonnes because of the increased area planted. The area planted to grain sorghum is forecast to increase by 61 per cent in 2007-08 to 250 000 hectares. Assuming average seasonal conditions, production is forecast to increase to 755 000 tonnes in 2007-08, an increase of 406 000 tonnes over production in 2006-07. Low water storage levels in southern New South Wales following below average winter and spring rainfall are expected to result in limited water availability for rice producers. The area sown to rice in 2007-08 is forecast to decline by 88 per cent to 2000 hectares. Rice production is forecast to be 15 000 tonnes, 91 per cent below last season. Below average rainfall in the majority of cotton growing regions during winter and spring has resulted in reduced water allocations, which is estimated to result in the area planted to cotton falling by 67 per cent in 2007-08. Cottonseed and cotton lint production are both forecast to fall by 68 per cent, to 100 000 tonnes and 71 000 tonnes respectively in 2007-08. new south wales winter crop estimates, 2007-08 area yield  a production production change from 2006-07 ‘000 ha t/ha kt % wheat 4 000 0.44 1 750 –17 barley 1 010 0.64 650 18 canola 240 0.17 40 33 a Yields are based on area planted. new south wales summer crop forecasts, 2007-08 area yield  a production area change from 2006-07 ‘000 ha t/ha kt % sorghum 250 3.02 755 61 sunflowers 25 1.28 32 95 cotton seed 36 2.82 100 –67 cotton lint 36 1.99 71 –67 rice 2 7.5 15 –88 a Yields are based on area planted.