But for our beleaguered cattle farmers, it may be closer than they think.

Meat and Livestock Australia’s mid-year update, released this week, offers a glimmer of optimism for weather-beaten producers.

A looming international shortage of cattle and robust global demand for beef could create a “perfect storm” of factors to help lift the industry off its knees.

Of course, weather remains the wildcard in the equation and a series of actual perfect storms, rather than metaphorical ones, would be the real game-changer.

It goes without saying that our region’s fortunes are inextricably tied to the rise and fall of cattle prices.

The income generated by our largest agricultural industry has a profound flow-on effect to the local economy, insulating small businesses and jobs.

The impact of this big dry has not spared any sector of our community.

It’s contributed to family breakdowns, mental health conditions and, in some cases, suicide.

But while farming communities pray for drought-breaking rain and a return to healthy commodity prices, a commodity just as precious is hope.

And while the MLA’s latest report won’t fill up dams or top-up bank balances, it will at least help start to break the drought of confidence.

*******

ONCE the domain of deviates and desperados, online dating has exploded into the mainstream.

While the notion of courting a potential partner in cyberspace might seem squeamish for some, it is now the second most common way Australians meet new partners – even above workplace romances.

Success stories abound, like Tamworth couple Katie and Ryan Moore.

So fed up was she with the local singles scene, Ms Moore took a leap of faith three years ago and netted her Romeo.

The couple now have a gorgeous daughter and another bub on the way.

Where once such couples had to lie about how they met, they are now proclaiming it to the world.

And if love does indeed make the world go round, then that can only be a good thing for humanity.