In northwest New South Wales, a successful grain harvest often coincides with local sports victories. Harry Pye, a farmer near Walgett, noted that when the region receives rain and crops are planted, the local rugby club thrives. "When Walgett's had rain and everyone's planted crops and everything's going on, the Walcha Rugby Club goes really well because we've got a lot of people coming in," he said. However, during dry years, the situation changes drastically. "In the dry years everything shuts down, farmers stop employing … and we generally come bottom of the table in the rugby."

This year, Pye is experiencing a fruitful harvest of wheat and chickpeas, aided by timely rainfall. "It was kind of the perfect season really, it just kept raining at the right times … it's been pretty smooth sailing, touch wood, through this harvest so far," he said.

Despite the positive outlook, challenges remain. Harvesting can be stressful and exhausting. "I like planting the crop, I like growing the crop [but] when it comes around to harvest, no-one's excited because it's 18-hour days and stress and heat and breakdowns," Pye explained. He expressed concern about potential rain damaging the crops.

Enid Coupe, who share farms 3,400 hectares near Walgett, also reported a good season, although recent hail caused damage to some of her wheat and chickpeas. "We had it insured, but not for a lot so that's going to cost us a lot of money, but you deal with what Mother Nature gives you and you move on, and get off what's left of your crop," she said. Coupe believes that consecutive bumper crops will stimulate local spending. "People will spend money, they will put up another silo, they will get something fixed in the house that the wife's been wanting to get fixed for 50 years, they will put in some new water tanks, buy more machinery," she said.

The economic impact of last year's crop was significant, allowing for improvements that benefited this year's harvest. "It's worth a lot, not just to the Walgett economy but the Australian economy in general," Coupe added.

GrainCorp has reported strong delivery volumes across northern NSW, despite recent rain interruptions. Luke Vanderwerf, the regional operations manager for northern NSW, stated, "Canola is up significantly for us as a region, and we've received more than ever." The company has opened three new canola sites, including one at Burren Junction, which recently set a daily receival record of 2,000 tonnes. "We've been able to really get the tonnes rolling, the same with [Croppa Creek], we've got a new bunker and a new stacker here which has allowed us to get some more tonnes in the door," Vanderwerf said.

As of November 10, GrainCorp sites had received over 2 million tonnes of grain in the state, contributing to a total of 3.5 million tonnes from NSW, Queensland, and Victoria for the season.

While northern NSW is set to produce nearly 18 million tonnes of grain this year, southern growers are facing challenges due to drought. Mike O'Hare, a grower in the Riverina, remarked, "Most people down this way are going to struggle to get anywhere near average crops." He noted that low wheat and barley prices add to the difficulties. As summer approaches, O'Hare remains hopeful for a better season ahead. "When you're on the edge, it doesn't take a lot to make a difference," he said.