But this year has delivered a drenching that is at unprecedented highs for some parts of the state. 

In fact, the winter rain is being described by the NSW Department of Primary Industries as sitting at record levels with most of NSW receiving more than 200 per cent of the average rainfall for June. 

Despite the wet and boggy conditions farmers are not knocking it back. Memories of drought are still etched in their minds.

At the Thursday sheep sale in Wagga prices started off just a touch lackluster but as the market progressed – and the rain fell – values firmed up quickly.  Livestock carrier Tim Smyth of Marrar knows too well the implications of getting bogged after heavy rain.

He conceded there had been some places which couldn’t be accessed due to the wet weather in recent times. “This rain is setting up the longevity of the season though – and the industry … we are looking forward to a cracker of a spring,” he said. 

Landmark Wagga livestock agent Hamish McGeoch said he didn’t think too many farmers would be knocking the rain. 

HOW THE GAUGE LOOKS THIS WEEK: 

DPI seasonal conditions coordinator Ian McGowen said parts of NSW experienced the wettest June on record.  “These areas received more than 400 per cent of their average rainfall,” he said. 

“The early sown winter crops are still performing well, but later sown crops have been affected by waterlogging in low lying areas, as well as seed bursting following more rainfall just after sowing.

“Unfortunately, the conditions have been too wet for re-sowing,” he said. 

The Bureau of Meteorology’s rainfall outlook for July to September indicates that wetter than normal conditions are likely across NSW.