Weather News

Nervous wait for rain

A tough winter and not much spring rain has primary producers across the Hunter Valley very nervous. - ABC

A tough winter and not much spring rain has primary producers across the Hunter Valley very nervous.

Heavy frosts and strong westerly winds, combined with a lack of recent rain is hampering pasture growth.

Singleton stock and station agent Roger Fuller says cattle have struggled and the market is responding accordingly.

"It's just a tough little time, I suppose we've been spoilt," he said.

"But everyone is very cautious of the dry we've been through in the early parts of 2000, we had some very dry times, and people are very cautious, don't worry about that, very cautious."

Mr Fuller says at least there is plenty of water in local dams and creeks.

"The long-term forecasts have been saying there's a small el nino coming, but everyone's got good water, and that's the big thing," he said.

"If you've got good water you can get through a dry time - if you've got no water you're in strife."


- ABC

© ABC 2012

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