Above average rainfall has been recorded for the last three months, leaving local farmers feeling positive about the seasons ahead.

In January, 86 millimetres of rain was recorded in Bathurst, well above the long term average of 68.0mm.

This follows on from 70mm in December (the month’s average is 66.2mm), and 70.8mm in November (60.8mm is average).

Mr McKay was glowing with praise for the start to the season and said it has been a huge benefit for Bathurst region farmers.

“It’s been fantastic ... you couldn’t get a better start to winter,” he said.

“Our dams are still dry, but it’s a beautiful start to the season.”

With “plenty” of soil moisture, Mr McKay has already sown 100 hectares of brassica, and will soon start sowing oats.

“It gives you hope looking forward to autumn and winter. Any rain is better than none,” he said.

Mr McKay did, however, say rainfall around Bathurst has been patchy, with not all areas receiving the same downpours.

Perthville grazier John Seaman agreed, and said the dams watering his 800-head of merino sheep were “bone dry”.

“The paddocks are beautiful and green. But, it is surprising to see creeks that are not running and dams that are dry,” he said.

But, Mr Seaman, who writes the Western Advocate’s Rural Notebook column, said the rain that has fallen has left enough soil moisture for farmers to start sowing.

“As soon as people can get their grounds ploughed they’ll be sowing oats, you’d be silly not too,” Mr Seaman said.

He added that in areas to the east of Bathurst there was still a good amount of feed for graziers.

“There’s really good cattle feed, a lot of dry stuff is still standing with the new grass coming through.”

Weatherzone meteorologists have predicted a wet start to February with up to 14mm of rain expected over the next few days.

Today and tomorrow have the greatest chance of rain with up to 5mm predicted each day.