When official figures were calculated last week the area officially in drought had declined to 39.8 per cent, down from 65.7 per cent on last month and the lowest level in four years.

What was most significant was that no area lapsed into drought between February and March, when revocations occurred in relation to part of Tablelands LHPA.

So far as improvements were concerned, as distinct from revocations, part of Tablelands moved from marginal to satisfactory, according to the statistical information released by the NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Steve Whan.

“Farmers and consumers are finally starting to see real benefits from recent rain,” Mr Whan said.

“It has helped increase yield potential for summer crops and set us up in an ideal position for a great winter crop,” Mr Whan said.

“The improved figures reflect the steady rain which fell across the state in recent months. The situation has not been this good since March 2006.

“This year could certainly be one of the better years for farmers, in January more than 81 per cent of the state was in drought and that figure has halved, let’s hope the downward trend continues.”

It was the great rain in December, 58mm and the saturation of the Tablelands LHPA area in February, when Cowra recorded 98.8mm, that has vastly improved farming conditions and the outlook for the next few months after 10 years of drought.

The rain so far this month (85.8mm) has served to further enhance the situation for farmers.