The rain has regional farmers in a positive frame of mind and has seen a start to the 2010 winter cropping season and filled farm dams and major water storage facilities in the region.

Whilst there was some damage to property assets and fencing, the long term benefits of the autumn rain will be seen as early crops are sown into good moisture and autumn pasture growth is boosted.

The autumn lambing and calving season has also been made easier for producers and there will be greater buyer interest in the autumn calf sales circuit.

This rain follows on from substantial falls in many districts in late February.

Around Wagga, which recorded over 110mm in 24 hours, some farmers say it has been the best autumn break in a decade.

Other readings in the eastern region included Junee 87mm, Albury 66mm, Holbrook 69mm and Cootamundra 62mm.

There has also been some significant rain in the western Riverina, with Coleambally receiving 74mm, Hay 38mm, Narrandera 73mm, Griffith 34mm and Hillston 60mm.

Cootamundra agronomist Mark Golder said that all the district’s farmers were in a positive mood.

“This is great rain for the district and will allow farmers to start their winter crop sowing program.

“At the same it’s a boost for pastures and with autumn lambing not far away, there will be good quality pastures at lambing time. It’s good news all round,” said Mr Golder.

In the Monaro district the autumn is shaping up as the best for 20 years.

Chris Hillman from Landmark at Cooma said the autumn season is perfect after the district received between 20-60mls.

“Most farmers have already sown their winter wheat and oats and are sowing large areas of lucerne.

“There is good topsoil and subsoil moisture and this rain means there will be a lot of confidence at the upcoming autumn calf sales in April,” said Mr Hillman.