The drop in drought figures to 65.7 per cent represented a 16 per cent drop, NSW Minister for Primary Industries Steve Whan said.

He said compared to last year, NSW farmers were in a slightly better position.

Mr Whan said 56.6 per cent of NSW was in drought in February 2009.

Moree is right on the border.

Livestock Health and Pest Control (LHPA) senior ranger Gerard O’Connor said the review of drought conditions happened each month. An area drought declared has access to freight and fodder subsidies; when moved from drought to marginal or satisfactory, areas are no longer eligible for those.

He said it shouldn’t affect Moree farmers too much at this stage, as most have already moved livestock or made their purchases.

“Those who were going to move stock, would have sent them already,” Mr O’Connor said.

The drought conditions were determined on a range of stringent factors, he said, including rainfall, stock condition, water storage levels and weather conditions.

To come out of drought Moree must have three months of above average rainfall.

NSW Shadow Minister for Primary Industries Duncan Gay said NSW Labor should not become lax because of this drop.

He said it was important to remember most farmers wouldn’t see the benefits of the extra rainfall for some time.

“The recent downfalls have boosted pasture growth in some areas, but it didn’t rain money,” Mr Gay said.

“At best it will be 18 months before many farmers see any financial reprieve.”