The region has been transformed from a dust bowl to a lush, if slightly waterlogged, food bowl thanks to a timely seasonal break in the weather.
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February was a bleak time for many producers and landholders with record temperatures combined with no rain resulting in bushfires throughout the Hunter and Mid North Coast.
Now instead of the Rural Fire Service talking calls members of the State Emergency Service are being kept busy.
Dams were emptying fast and pastures burning off under a record hot summer.
But on cue February’s horror weather has been replaced by rain up and down the coast, lower Hunter and in patches in the Upper Hunter.
Dorrigo and Bellingen that had endured severe and in some cases record breaking water restrictions all summer are now coping with flooded creeks and rivers –something more common for the locals than no water flows.
In fact Dorrigo has now recorded a healthy 500mm just in time to give autumn pastures a good kick-along before the cold weather arrives.
And the timing of the rain could not better as last year we endured a record hot and dry autumn leaving many producers struggling to feed livestock during winter.
This year the rain has arrived when the temperatures are still warm enough to boost pasture growth.
Gloucester producers report their dams have filled thanks to heavy rain this month.
Some areas have lost autumn crops, especially along major waterways, due to flooding or waterlogging
Unfortunately the coastal rain has left some areas in the Upper Hunter still waiting for a drink.
East of Scone around Moonan Flat only light falls have been recorded forcing producers to wean early and offload their calves.
Around Singleton and Muswellbrook falls have been heavier but sadly nothing yet in the way of run-off to replenish on-farm water storages.