WIDESPREAD rainfall of between three to six inches across many parts of the North East over the last week of November proved a blessing for stock producers but a hindrance to winter crop growers.

And with the weather continuing into December with near weekly rainfalls, Doug James, who has lived on his 'Viewbank' sheep property at Boweya for the past 54 years, said the rain had been a breath of fresh air and instilled some confidence in the sheep industry, after a real "hit and miss" spring.

“Good news for us is that the recent rainfall kept the grass growing into Christmas.

“Further to that, the recent rain helped boost lucerne crops which will benefit our farm and save cost of feeding.

“We have assessed our outlook on the farm and we see that in the next three months, things will remain stable which has a positive outlook on things.

“If conditions stay wet, this will make wheat crops sprout which would turn these crops into local feed other than cereal which again we can purchase at a cheaper price bringing further confidence for sheep producers.

“The recent rain also gave local hay producers a second cut leading into Christmas boosting availability locally again putting another positive spin on things.

"The recent rain and all things combined, has not only taken away pressures of farming, but has really boosted confidence in farmers by putting a stop to panic selling but will bring quality stock to the market as the sheep store sales are holding very strong with proven firm pricings locally.

“It is amazing how the weather really does govern those who work on the land, and with planning and perseverance, presents a light at the end of the tunnel and farmers reap the rewards for their efforts.”

Andrew Russell, managing director and a shareholder of Lilliput AG - a sister company of the family–owned farming and seed cleaning business Baker Seeds at Rutherglen, said harvesting was well on the way when the rain slowed the process.

"In general harvest locally and North East Victoria was around 40 to 50 per cent done heading into December with many growers completing their canola harvest," he said.

"The recent rain proved not great for broadleaf because of the susceptibility to sprouting which is a big concern to all growers.

"Yields have been generally better than expected for the amount of rainfall received during the year."