Australia New South Wales wheat plantings rise in 2009

Favourable seasonal conditions in Australia's eastern state of New South Wales have boosted plantings of wheat to 3.2 million hectares, up 6.3 percent from the area harvested in the crop year that ended March 31, the state government's Department of Primary Industries said.

June saw a dramatic turnaround in seasonal conditions, especially in the Central West and South West of the state. With almost weekly rainfall events, many of these areas recorded above-average June rainfall totals of 50 millimeters to 100 mm, the department said in a Grain Report issued this week.

Total winter crop plantings in the state are estimated at 5.06 million hectares, up 13 percent from the area harvested last crop year. Other major crops planted this season include barley, oats, triticale, canola and chickpeas.

"Substantial rainfall of 50 mm or more is still needed across western areas of the center and south to continue crop growth and establish yield potential," the report said.