Recent rainfall cause for optimism for region's farmers

This was on top of significant falls in Mangalore (17.8 mm) and Benalla (16.8 mm) in the 24 hours to 9 am on March 30.

In NSW, Tocumwal has seen 28 mm in the gauge and Deniliquin has recorded 22 mm so far in April.

WB Hunter Shepparton agronomist Tristan Hornbuckle said it had been a good start but due to several dry years a lot more rain was needed to keep moisture in the subsoil.

“It is (putting smiles on farmers’ faces) at this stage,” he said.

“ It will keep them a bit more optimistic at this stage.

“We had fairly good rain five or six weeks ago which is starting to get a good season away.

“It’s put a bit of moisture into the subsoil, given how dry it has been over the last couple of years.

“We'd need several large rainfall events to make a big difference.”