Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) announced in May that an El Nino event was certain in bringing a rise in global temperatures, more bush fires and water shortages in eastern Australia.

A study by the BOM of 12 strong El Nino years since 1905 found rainfall declines were most evident in winter and spring - key agricultural seasons. BOM senior climatologist Agatha Imielska said the El Nino conditions were strengthening across the state. Ms Imielska said growers should expect the conditions to continue into early 2016.

“We’re in the time now were they can have a huge impact on the cropping season,” she said.

Although every El Nino was different, Ms Imielska said the current event had delivered a longer frost season.

With growers in the northern region of NSW expected to begin harvesting in October, Narrabri Delta Agribusiness agronomist Dean Hancock said there had been no evidence of damage to crops as yet.

“Our season is going fantastically,” Mr Hancock said.

Recent rain brought more than 50mm to the region and had left growers happy, he said.

Mr Hancock said he was confident some growers could expect above-average yields.

Dubbo Delta Agribusiness agronomist Matt Landsay said the later frosts had slowed the season down in the Orana region. But, because most of the crops were sown later in the year, Mr Landsey said they were only just beginning to flower.

Mr Landsay said he believed there was enough moisture in the soil profile, but “some growers could do with another shower”.

While growers in the southern part of NSW were three to four weeks behind the central west’s season, Cootamundra Delta Agribusiness branch manager Andrew Adams said it would “be all systems go after Melbourne Cup”.

Mr Adams said a rise in temperatures and longer frost season had not caused panic to growers as.

“It’s been a wonderful season down here so far,” Mr Adams said.

With scattered rainfall during the past month, Mr Adams said the crops were looking promising.

“We will need some filling rain before the end of the season, but everyone is in a good frame of mind now,” he said.