CATTLE farmers have rejoiced after recent rainfall hit some of the region's driest parts.
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Moree was among the luckiest towns, recording 117.2mm for the month, almost the same amount of rain the district had for the entirety of 2019.
A downpour brought more than 120mm of rain to Werris Creek in a single day, which caused millions of dollars worth of damage.
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Meanwhile, Tamworth enjoyed it's wettest month since March 2017 after 97.4mm hit the city.
The 94.7mm makes up a large chunk (14 per cent) of the city's annual rainfall average of 673.6mm.
Boggabri stock agent Guy Gallen said the rainfall would have provided "plenty of hope" to local farmers.
"There were a lot of good stories about people who got a fair bit of rain," Mr Gallen said. "Some weren't so lucky, but still got something.
"Mentally, this rain takes the pressure right off and will hopefully give everyone a bit of relief."
The rain has seen cattle prices improve at local markets, including Gunnedah which brought an average of $1,205 a head to producers selling at the January 28 sale.
Heavy cows continued to be the best selling category at the market, averaging more than $2000 a head.
"The cattle market took a little bit of a hit before Christmas, but is on the way back up at the moment," Mr Gallen said.
"A few of the guys who did hang on to their cattle could be in for a win now, if they are ready to sell.
"For those not ready to sell, the rain will hopefully allow things like Pig Weed and Liverseed Grass to sprout and offer a bit of a green pick.
"If that happens it will allow a chance for stock to gain a bit more weight before going to market."
Mr Gallen said a lot more rain would be needed before farmers enjoyed long-term stability in the market.
"This rain has been most certainly welcome, but a lot more is needed for things to really improve long-term," Mr Gallen said.
"If it does continue, guys will have a much better chance at being able to plant a crop of some description, especially on the lighter country which doesn't need too much rain.
"However, at the moment, you wouldn't have to dig too deep beneath the surface to find dust and we will need a lot more rain for that not to be the case."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
