FARMERS in the Wheatbelt have welcomed saving rains last week, but many say it is too little too late.
Steady rain fell in most of the area on Thursday and Friday nights, giving some glimmer of hope for farmers as crops struggle to emerge and survive on limited sub soil moisture.
Rainfall so far this year has been patchy, with some farmers in the region reporting finishing their seeding programs while others say they have not started or are only 20 percent complete.
The Department of Agriculture and Food’s seasonal outlook for the Merredin area reports local indicators have become increasingly negative.
The predictions from DAFWA indicate below average rainfall for the rest of the season and the Bureau of Meteorology reports a 65 percent chance of below average rainfall for winter.
Rainfall recorded for Thursday and Friday: Bencubbin 15.8mm, Cunderdin 18mm, Kellerberrin 16mm, Merredin 13.8mm, Narembeen 28.2mm, Southern Cross 7.8mm, Corrigin 21mm, and Hyden 18.8mm.