Farmers on the Central-West Plains have already started ordering fertiliser on the back of terrific rain across a wide area that has set them up for a second strong winter cropping program.

Rain has been extensive in many areas stretching from the Liverpool Plains (Gunnedah 56mm) down to the south-west areas (Grong Grong 60mm) in the last week, across to the Southern Tablelands (Goulburn 94mm, Bombala 65mm).

And the rain across more marginal cropping areas has excited many farmers - with many hoping to go back into canola.

Condobolin recorded almost a quarter of its annual rainfall in a heavy rainfall event last Friday (140mm) that was good soaking rain after just 15mm was predicted on Friday morning. The totals were significant in the region from Lake Cargelligo (78mm) to Euabalong to West Wyalong (85mm). Some stations west of Cobar had over 70mm, most about 30mm.

And more rain (up to 25mm) was expected on Friday and Saturday (February 5,6) and in many central areas.

Condobolin farmer Noel Sutherland at Weirview cancelled a water order on the Lachlan for his lucerne and "put it in the bank" as his property was soaked, giving him hope for another 2020 hectares of wheat this year. Last year was one of the best cropping years on record after three years of withering drought.

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Of course weeds (melon, blue heliotrope) and the current mice plague were the major concerns in the Condobolin district. Some farmers had burnt their stubble paddocks to get rid of the mice.

Brett Honeysett, Ag'n'Vet Services Condobolin, said he'd already been selling fertiliser to farmers keen to set up another cropping program on the back of what many described as the best cropping year they'd seen, with just two minor hail events in the growing season. Mr Honeysett said canola was featuring as the new preference, with many crops going 2 tonne to 3 tonne a hectare last year. Wheat and barley were still the mainstays. Subsoil moisture in the district was excellent at between 60-70cm.

"This rain will mean we will have had two good starts in a row now," he said. Last week's rain also came on the back of 40-100mm on New Year's for some places. "The good news is the rain has not done much damage. It's brought great confidence again for a cereal program."