The wet weather is set to continue throughout September to November after the state saw the wettest August in 13 years.
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Areas of NSW Northern Tablelands, north coast and the Hunter Valley received more than 100–200mm during August, while areas of the Central West, Central and Southern Tablelands, Riverina, far south and North West received between 50–100mm.
Cowra, Parkes, Forbes, Young and Grenfell, since May 1 have recorded more wet days then dry days.
Up until Wednesday, September 21 in Parkes it has rained on 76 days out of 145 days, since May 1 with 463.8mm of precipitation recorded.
Forbes, by comparison, has recorded 394.2mm on 70 days.
But further south it has been much wetter, with no relief in sight.
In Cowra it has rained on 97 days out of the 144 days, since May 1 with 473mm.
Young has recorded 559.4mm on 89 days, and Grenfell has received 572.4mm and 79 wet days in the same period.
Despite the all of the rain it’s not time to build the ark as we haven’t had 40 days and nights of consecutive rain but it did go close during July and August.
The wet has caused the cancellation of sport and community events throughout the region and caused havoc with roadworks.
The big wet has seemed even worse in Cowra as it has rained on every weekend in Cowra over the May to September period.
Young has had just two weekends when no rain was recorded, Grenfell six, Parkes three and Forbes seven.
Farmers throughout the region are looking to the sky for relief with crops under water and stock suffering as a result of the drenching.
Canola crops are in great condition but harvesters won't be able to access paddocks if conditions don’t ease up.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Seasonal Conditions Coordinator Ian McGowen said during August most of the state received above average rainfall.
“The early sown winter crops continue to show the best potential, with yields in better drained areas or on lighter soils likely to be average to above average,” Mr McGowen said.
“In some areas of the Central West and Riverina crop losses from 10-30 per cent of sown area to complete crop failure have occurred. Pulse crops have been worst affected.
“The wet conditions have greatly increased crop disease problems such as yellow leaf spot and stripe rust in wheat and net blotch and bacterial stripe in barley.
Across most of the state, stock condition remain reasonably positive, with supplementary feeding declining as pasture growth improved.
“The wet conditions have contributed to issues with foot scald, bloat and increased worm burdens for livestock producers,” Mr McGowen said.
During September wetter than normal conditions are likely across the southern areas of the central west, the western areas of the Riverina, areas of the far south and the southern half of the far west.
Central Tablelands Local Land Services has warned the unusually wet conditions currently being experienced in many areas increases the risk of expression and spread of the disease.
“Reports have emerged in areas that have not seen this notifiable disease in decades, so sheep producers need to be alert,” said Dr Amy Masters, Central Tablelands Local Land Services District Veterinarian.
“Soil temperatures are starting to warm up and frequent rain is creating lush pastures that retain a high moisture content, creating ideal conditions for footrot to spread,” Dr Masters said.