"More favourable weather conditions in recent months indicate improved prospects for the agriculture industry in 2003-04, " the statistical office said.

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"Our efforts were helped by particularly favourable weather with sunshine and summery temperatures, " explained the double world champion.

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Jay, ranked 20th in the world standings, took advantage of his early start with the favourable weather conditions as snow hampered the later starters.

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So far, no serious effort to kill a whale has even been made, despite favourable weather and the presence of whales in the waters near the Makahs' village.

ECONOMIST: To catch a whale

The firm credited "particularly favourable" weather for the rise.

BBC: Goldilocks weather cheers baker