The rain that fell across our district over the weekend has given renewed hope to farmers struggling against drought-like conditions.

Gulgong recorded a huge 56.6mm on Sunday with Dunedoo following closely behind with 52.5mm.

Rylstone recorded 41.2mm, Kandos 39.4mm and Mudgee 41.2mm on Sunday. Follow-up rain also occurred early Monday morning.

With showers forecast throughout the coming week, farmers holding out for follow-up winter cropping rain can possibly look forward to a greener season than previously expected.

Mr Clarke said the timing of 36mm of rain at his Mt Brace property couldn’t have been better.

“We were right at the point of tipping over the edge for the season,” he said.

“I’ve got 60 hectares of wheat and that saved it as it had been looking sick. And, when it comes to the pastures, they are right in the zone where every millimetre of rain will make a difference for pasture growth.

“After a long period of heavy frost and wind, the pastures were pretty sick.”

Mr Clarke said he greedily would have preferred about 50mm but will take the 36 for now in the hopes of another 10mms later in the week.

“What we need now is, we are looking for a similar fall in another fortnight to set us up before the real hot weather starts.

“If I am lucky enough to snag 10mms it will be fantastic.

“This is the first decent rain since February. After an absolutely cracking summer, the tap turned off at the end of February. This is the first good rain since then.”