The Grains Council of Australia says the outlook for a successful winter cereal crop in most states has become more promising, but some parts of the country are still desperate for rain.

GCA Chairman, Murray Jones, said producers across the country had been “dry planting” in the expectation of sufficient rain before the ‘window’ for planting closed in early July.

“South Australia, the north and south of New South Wales, central Queensland and growers in the south of Western Australia are reporting adequate moisture to get their crops away”, Mr Jones said.

“Dry areas still cover large parts of Western Australia, southern Queensland, and most of Victoria”, he said.

“Our members in Victoria are reporting dry conditions in most areas, with dry sowing suspended until rain arrives. A small section of the north west corner of the state has had sufficiently good moisture to put a smile on the faces of some growers”.

“On the up side, South Australia is reporting a good start, with an expectation of above average yields in some areas if favourable conditions continue through to the end of the year”, Mr Jones said.

“Last weekend’s good falls in central Queensland and northern and southern NSW spread optimism, although the central west of NSW still requires a good soaking to ensure sufficient moisture to put a crop in”, he said.

“This is a crucial period of the cropping calendar, and good falls are required over the next month as we rapidly approach the end of June / early July, when the planting window closes”.