By MATT NICHOLLS
FOR the first time in months, farmers in the Northern Tablelands have been able to look up to the skies and smile.
Soaking rain on Saturday night, Sunday, Monday and yesterday has given sheep and cattle producers hope of saving face this season.
Guyra’s Sam White, who runs Bald Blair Angus, said the rain had come at a perfect time.
“We needed it pretty desperately,” he said.
“The key now is follow-up rain and some sun to get things growing.”
The region is set for a couple of days respite before the rain is expected to return over the weekend.
You won’t hear many rural property owners complain.
Official rainfall figures were sketchy at the time of press due to the fact it was still raining.
In Armidale, 22mm rain fell between Saturday and 9am yesterday, while Uralla recorded 20mm, Guyra 34mm and Wollomombi 35mm.
Some properties outside of the towns received far more rain, while others further west near Kingstown missed the rain all together.
While it’s still likely many primary producers will end 2013 on a loss, having battled dry conditions for the majority of the year, this month’s timely rain might spring confidence heading into 2014.
