Rainy conditions have provided a welcome boost for Hawke's Bay farmers this week, Federated Farmers says.
An ex tropical low brought rain and muggy conditions to Hawke's Bay this week. MetService meteorologist Daniel Corbett said showers were likely to persist today and tomorrow as the low tracked northwest to Whakatane, directing a moist southeasterly flow over the North Island .
Hawke's Bay Federated Farmers president Will Foley said farmers were pleased with the amount of rain Hawke's Bay had seen this week.
"The amount of rain has been significant. It's warm rain and it will promote growth for winter crop and grasses. It's a good set-up for farmers heading into the winter season."
Mr Foley said rain had come early this year and would "kickstart" farming in the region. In previous years, dry conditions prevailed until May or June and this week's rain was a welcome respite from a trend of increasingly dry autumns. The East Coast had been one of the best places for farming in the North Island this year, Mr Foley said.