Soybean growers in northern NSW are optimistic of a good crop this year, with harvest due to start in two months.
The floods early last year wiped out thousands of hectares of soybeans in the Clarence, Richmond and Tweed Valleys.
The president of the North Coast Oilseed Growers' Association, Paul Fleming, says that after a number of poor seasons, 2014 looks promising.
"Yeah, it's been a struggle for most growers over the last couple of years really," he said.
"It's a bit of a gamble to go again really. For a lot of people it's double or nothing.
"So everyone's looking for a good crop to try and catch up a bit.
"We need a couple of good ones in a row really to help people get back on their feet, and help the agricultural area around here to get back on its feet."
An estimated 12,000 to 13,000 hectares have been planted across the region for the 2014 crop.
"It's probably a little bit on the dry side more than anything, which is a change from the last few seasons," Mr Fleming said.
"Most of the crops around are looking really good actually. They've got a good start and they've got away well and the insect pressure's been pretty low and growing conditions have been good.
"And so we're looking at a real good crop if we can keep getting a bit of rain, and don't get too much, and things are looking pretty rosy."
Mr Fleming, who farms soybeans at Yorklea near Casino, is hoping for a good return this year.
"The prices are probably a little bit better than last year, and if we can keep the Australian dollar down, then that'll help things as well," he said.
Source - http://www.abc.net.au/
