Weekend ‘inch’ raises prospects for farmers
WEEKEND rain could potentially mean millions of dollars still being produced for the Loddon economy.
Farmers who had taken the punt on dry sowing crops while waiting for a break in the weather recorded up to 30mm over three days.
“The rain came at the right time and it was nice, steady and soaking,” said Salisbury West’s John Penny.
Rod Kirk, of Longdale Park Merino Stud, Berrimal, said: “We have been feeding sheep since February last year. Since January feeding has increased and water has become somewhat of an issue with dams drying up.
“We are happy with the condition of our stock and extremely happy with our lambing percentages considering the season we have had.
“It lifts the spirits to see happy stock when things have been so tough. And finally we have had a nice drop of rain over the weekend.”
Falls that started Friday almost eclipsed totals for the first five months on the year.
But while weekend rains have been welcomed, farmers say they  still face challenges with feed over the winter months.
Glenalbyn’s Graham Nesbit said: “There are many farmers still having to buy in grain and hay.
“The rain will help crops and pastures over the next few months but there is still the need to keep stock healthy,” he said.
“Feed prices remain high and those farmers who had hay or grain in reserve, have had to dip deeply into those reserves over recent months.”
Mr Nesbit said the “weekend inch” had been well timed.
“It’s easily worth millions of dollars that could have been lost.”