Large areas of the Riverina, south-west and south coast recorded the lowest September rainfall on record. Areas of the Sydney basin, central tablelands, Hunter valley, northern tablelands and north coast also received the lowest September rainfall on record. Only the far north-west of the state received rainfall that was near-average during the month.

Pasture growth declined across most of NSW as a result of the continued warmer than normal daytime temperatures combined with a lack of soil moisture, frosts and grazing pressure. 

Relative to historical records, pasture growth was well below average to extremely low across most of NSW, apart from some areas of near-average growth in the south-east. Other pasture growth models indicated a similar growth pattern.

Relative to historical records, biomass was generally well below average to extremely low across much of northern, central and eastern NSW as well as the Riverina.

In most areas, winter crop yields were seriously affected by the combination of extremely dry conditions, frequent severe frosts and the extreme daytime temperatures during September. Where severely affected crops had sufficient biomass, they have been cut for hay and silage. In many cases, crops have been grazed out to compensate for poor pasture production.

Rainfall in early October came too late for most crops, with potential yields already severely affected. Harvest has commenced in the north-west for canola and barley crops.

Prospects for dryland summer cropping across much of the north-west have improved due to rainfall of up to 25-100mm in early October, with some areas receiving heavier falls. More rainfall is needed to replenish depleted subsoil moisture reserves.

During September, topsoil moisture declined across most of NSW to levels of generally less than 10 per cent of a saturated profile. Relative to historical records, topsoil moisture was extremely low across most of the state.