Contents >> Farms

The nature and pattern of agricultural settlement in NSW have been largely determined by rainfall, topography, the quality of soil and accessibility to markets. Many factors have since influenced this pattern including improvements in transportation, cultivation methods, seed varieties, fertilisers, soil conditioners and breeding programs.

The availability of water has been, and will remain, central to the nature and extent of the state's agricultural development. Rainfall is low and irregular over a wide area of NSW yet, at times, flooding can be a serious problem, making control of water resources essential to the development of a viable agricultural sector.

At 30 June 2004, there were an estimated 40,827 farms in NSW.

ESTABLISHMENTS WITH AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY(a), NSW, at 30 June
Number
1997(b)
42,758
2001
41,951
2002
41,651
2003
41,093
2004
40,827
(a) Refers to farm establishments with an estimated value of agricultural operations (EVAO) of $5,000 or more.
(b) At 31 March.
Source: Agriculture, Australia (cat. no. 7113.0) and Agricultural Commodities, Australia (cat. no. 7121.0).

The Northern Statistical Division (SD) recorded the highest number of farms in NSW at 30 June 2004 (6,081). This was followed by the Central West SD with 5,416 farms.
ESTABLISHMENTS WITH AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY(a), at 30 June 2004
Statisical Division
Number
Sydney
1,800
Hunter
2,961
Illawarra
942
Richmond-Tweed
2,981
Mid-North Coast
2,911
Northern
6,081
North Western
4,332
Central West
5,416
South Eastern
4,423
Murrumbidgee
4,672
Murray
3,996
Far West
311
New South Wales
40,827
(a) Refers to farm establishments with an EVAO of $5,000 or more.
Source: Unpublished ABS data available on request, 2004 Agricultural Survey.




This section contains the following subsection :
      Agricultural industry
      Land use

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