THE region is rejoicing after receiving some long-awaited rain – and more is on its way.
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Tamworth and Gunnedah were among the most spoilt of the area, receiving 30mm of rain in the 24 hours prior to Monday afternoon.
It comes on the back of a prolonged dry period, but farmers aren’t getting their hopes up just yet.
Gunnedah-based agronomist Jim Hunt, of HuntAg, said winter crops would have some benefit from the rain, but more was needed to help build soil profile for summer crops.
“There will be some benefit to existing crops such as chickpeas and wheat,” he said.
“It should hopefully help improve grain quality for those crops come harvest.
“Most farmers will be preparing for summer crops but we will need a lot more rain to fill summer soil profiles.”
Boggabri stock agent Guy Gallen from Jacob Anderson Agents said the rain was “brilliant”.
“The country needed it to help freshen everything up,” Mr Gallen said.
While appreciative of the rain, Mr Gallen said follow up rain was crucial going forward and could affect cattle prices.
“Rain like this builds confidence in farmers,” he said.
“But for long- term results a follow up rain is crucial.
“A follow up rain could see restock cattle rise by as much as 50 cents a kilogram.”
Mr Gallen said only time would tell if this rainfall would impact up-coming cattle markets.
“I don’t know whether the impact will be immediate,” he said.
“If there are benefits of this rain that will certainly become clearer in time.”
The mercury might be set to rise over the next few days, but more rain is on its way.
Tamworth is expected to hit a top of 29 degrees on Tuesday, with a 60 per cent chance of rain and a possible storm.
Showers are forecast to develop on Wednesday and continue through to Thursday, before clearing on Friday.