Well below average rainfall since February had left Bathurst’s farmers with dry dams, hungry stock and crops that were struggling.

Since February, Bathurst has received just half of its average rainfall – 100.4 millimetres in a period that usually delivers 193.7mm.

Rain is predicted to continue across the coming week.

“The crops are going good, they just needed a bit of extra rain,” Mr McKay said.

“It’ll help crops grow a bit better. The grass will grow slow, though. 

“It helps all the crops, but for those with stock it won’t help a lot.”

Mr McKay runs 200 head of fat cattle at his Evans Plains property. Despite the recent rain, he will have to continue hand-feeding his stock for a while yet.

“They’ll still need a bit of hay to keep them warm in the stomach,” he said.

Up to 35mm of rain is predicted for Bathurst over the next seven days, according to Weatherzone.

“It’s looking better all the time, especially if you’ve got oats or winter crops,” Mr McKay said of continuing rain predictions.

“It’s all good, you can’t ever knock it back.”

There is a 90 per cent chance of around five millimetres of rain both today and tomorrow.

There is a slight chance of rain on Sunday and Monday, with an increasing chance for next Tuesday and Wednesday.

Maximum temperatures will continue to be below the long-term average of 15.7 for May.