Geoff Black of Cootamundra Oilseeds said after the failure of crops last year the fact farmers have been able to harvest this year is a substantial improvement.

This said, yields are down significantly down on what was expected, according to Mr Black.

He said when the region did not receive the rain required to end the season on a good note, the canola pods did not fill properly, resulting in reduced yields.

With the eastern states of Australia still suffering drought, Mr Black said the only export quality canola to come out of Australia will come out of Western Australia, with the rest to be utilised within the country.

As well as within the Cootamundra district, Cootamundra Oilseeds has also brought seed in from areas such as Ardlethan and Ariah Park.

He said due to short supply canola is fetching between $595 and $615 a tonne, with previous years seeing close to $800 a tonne paid for canola.

Mr Black said the price per tonne of canola is dependent on the strength of the season and the supply.