They were laughing all the way to the saleyards as rain fell through much of Hawke's Bay yesterday.
Falls of more than 40mm were reported in many areas throughout the region but, apart from slips and some surface flooding, there were reported to be few difficulties for emergency services.
Federated Farmers provincial president Will Foley said a new kick in the step of the area's farmers was evident with a strong turnout of Hawke's Bay buyers at yesterday's Feilding stock sale.
It was in contrast to sales last month when few were prepared to cross the divide in search of stock, as one of the driest January to June periods on record raised fears of drought later in the year.
Mr Foley said one truck driver had told him he returned from one recent sale at Feilding without any stock for Hawke's Bay.