Farmers all across the Bathurst region are rejoicing thanks to recent rain, but more consistent falls are needed to bring an end to the drought on the Central Tablelands.
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From last Thursday to Sunday, 33.2 millimetres of rain was recorded at the Bathurst Airport, for a total of 46.4 in September so far.
That grand total is already more than last month’s total of 44.6 millimetres.
NSW Farmers Association Bathurst branch president David McKay, who is based at Evans Plains, said the recent rainfall has been “wonderful”.
“If we keep getting a little bit for the next few weeks, it would be great,” he said.
“The weather is getting a bit warmer and if there’s a bit of moisture about, it’ll help it tick over. It’ll be a great help.
“We had about 60 millimetres in August and we’ve already got about 28 millimetres in the past week. It’s been fantastic.”
Jim Seaman, who is based at Wyagdon on the Sofala Road, also agreed the recent rainfall has been great, but knows that more is needed if it’s to make any difference to the current situation.
“[Recent rainfall] has made a huge difference, but it’s all about follow up from here,” he said.
“We’re starting to tick the right boxes, but we need the follow up rain either this or next week, otherwise we’re back to square one.”
He’s noticed the difference the rain has made, especially to current and upcoming crops.
“It’s definitely sparked a fair few crops on and it’s definitely saved a fair few of them,” he said.
“If it didn’t rain when it did, they would’ve been buggered.”
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Mr Seaman received about 25 millimetres across the past week and he’s noticed the difference it has made to the mood of farmers as well.
“It was interesting. Everyone you saw, it put a smile on their face,” he said.
“It’s a slight relief, but it’s certainly not over. It’s only started and you live in hope of more rain.”
No rain has been forecast for Bathurst, as of Monday afternoon, for the next week.