South Australia's Drought Relief: Farmers Breathe Easy

0:00This is Corey, keeping Sydney in the know you're listening to Sydney News today. After two years of severe drought hitting farmers hard in South Australia, recent heavy rains are bringing much-needed relief. Many primary producers now have good subsoil moisture heading into seating time, marking what some call the end of the dry spill. Places like Aura Roo and the Riverland saw up to 150 millimeters in just a week, the most in years. After this week, towns such as Moorchard, Udena, and even Remote Yunta got solid downpours from 94 to 152 millimeters. This follows one of the driest starts to 2024 on record when farmers had to dry seed with little hope. Farmers like 5th generation grower Ian Ellery are breathing easier, saying the pressure has lifted and they won't need to hand feed livestock anymore. Landholders report feeling optimistic, realizing only now how much stress had built up over the tough years. Meanwhile, grain producers SA notes that while many areas are out of drought, some pockets

1:04missed the rain and remain challenged. Official stress one good event doesn't make a season, and seating hasn't even started yet. Primary industries minister Claire Scriven and industry leaders warned the droughts hangover could last up to 5 years, with cash flow issues, bank, talks, and reduced incomes ahead. Still, farmers are soaking up this positive start and hoping for more to come. Ian in is brought to you by our sponsor, Headphones and a pillow, Simple Idea, Surprisingly Addictive, S-O-L-I-S-O-L-P-Lo dot com