The rain that has soaked western NSW in the past four days could prove momentous for the fortunes of the region.
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Widespread falls of up to 74mm were recorded in the state's north-west, reaching some of the driest parts of the region.
Graziers from the Walgett and Bourke districts on Monday were excited about what one called "the best rainfall in the area for probably two years".
It augured well not just for primary producers but for businesses and employment in their towns and had put a spring in the step of their communities, they said.
But the rain is a "mixed bag" - as the wet days continue it's proving difficult for farmers trying to sow winter crops.
NSW Farmers’ Association Western Division Council chairman Wayne Newton said the rain that had gone to areas that missed out or was follow-up to recent falls was excellent.
The sheep and cattle producer from north-west of Walgett said some people had been caught in the middle of sowing, so it was a "mixed bag".
"But by and large it's a great result we've been waiting for for about four years," Mr Newton said.
"Hopefully it's going to set us up for a great spring."
The primary producer said the long periods of dry weather had depleted the community to an "all-time low", biting businesses and employment in town.
"Hopefully this is the beginning to get over four years of pretty hard times," Mr Newton said.
"No one knows if it will continue, but it is a good start.
"I think everyone's got a spring in their step."
Farmer and grazier Robert Shanks from north-west of Dubbo said there had been about 65mm in the past three days "and it's still raining".
He said it was a bonus for farmers who already had crops in and up, but was becoming unfortunate for those who were yet to finish sowing.
"It is starting to be a disadvantage for people on lighter country," he said.
Those farmers would not be able to get back to their paddocks for weeks, meaning they would be locked into a yield that was decreased because of the late sowing, Mr Shanks said.
Water-logged paddocks were not good for crops or stock under the cold conditions and the wet weather was hard on for lambing ewes, he said.
But the man whose family has farmed in the Coalbaggie district for 100 years says the seasons come and go and “you manage the best you can”.
"Overall the rain is an enormous plus for the industry," Mr Shanks said.
"It's great to see north-west NSW getting rain after three to four years without.
"It's good for the industry that they'll be in production again."
Bourke Shire mayor and Enngonia district landholder Andrew Lewis said there had been fantastic widespread falls.
He said theirs was grazing not cropping country, which would grow a lot of feed for stock after the rain.
"It gives great hope for the next few months that we'll have a good spring," he said.
"It's the best rainfall we've had in this area for probably two years."
Total rainfall recorded by the Bureau of Meteorology from Friday to 9am on Monday was Coonamble 65.4mm, Dubbo 49.2mm, Trangie 49.2mm, Wellington 39.3mm, Walgett 48.4mm, Bourke 41.2mm, Brewarrina 42.6mm, Cobar 53.6 and Lightning Ridge 74.4mm.
Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets drew for 26,000 lambs but only 14,000 were yarded on Monday.
Ray White Rural principal David Armitage said the rain had deterred people from getting their stock to the saleyards.
He said the rain augured well for the lamb market.