It may not be the most popular view going around, but I was among many who were pleased to see the rain come yesterday.
Over the past couple of weeks there had been a noticeable browning of the countryside, and you could almost see the grass withering. In many areas
of the country, serious concern was being expressed about the conditions and what that meant for farmers.
However, those who work the land are adept at developing systems to cope with whatever seasonal conditions prevail. What they are mostly powerless to control are the wild fluctuations in product prices and the exchange rate.
The summer dry, high kiwi dollar and drop in returns have led to a significant fall in optimism, particularly among sheep and beef farmers, who are particularly affected with Federated Farmers' latest farm confidence survey showing significant numbers expect returns this year to take a major hit. As if the exchange rate woes weren't enough, income for beef, lamb and wool has taken a major hit.
Dairy remains the more optimistic sector, with improving global prices and payout outlook driving an improvement.
