Agriculture plays a crucial historical and economic role in New South Wales. The state's diverse climate allows for a wide variety of agricultural pursuits.
The inland plains (especially the Riverina region) are the heartland of Australian grain production, yielding vast quantities of wheat, barley, and oats. The state is also a major producer of cotton and rice, utilizing the irrigation networks of the Murray-Darling Basin.
Livestock remains paramount. NSW is famous for its sheep industry, producing high-quality Merino wool and prime lamb. Beef cattle are raised extensively on the tablelands and northern coast. The state also has a robust dairy industry on the coastal fringes.
Additionally, NSW is one of Australia's premier wine-producing states. The Hunter Valley is globally renowned for its Semillon and Shiraz, while the Riverina, Orange, and Mudgee regions contribute heavily to both domestic and export wine markets.