According to the Bureau of Meteorology only  64.2mm of rain fell in January, 85.8mm in February, 13.8mm in March and 12.8mm in April, measured from the Braidwood Racecourse.

The NSW Combined Drought Indicator (CDI), which measures agronomic conditions – rainfall, soil moisture, plant growth, rainfall trends –  has classified the Queanbeyan-Palerang area as ‘drought onset’.

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This is just below the most severe drought classification and is characterised by dry conditions, low soil moisture, modest growth and some rain.

“Farmers are very concerned about the ongoing lack of rain as they see their dams quickly drying up and the feed in paddocks disappearing,” rural financial counsellor Beverly Houterman said. 

“Without rain soon, and colder temperatures, there will not be paddock growth to sustain livestock over the winter”

The NSW Department of Primary Industry (DPI) website 'droughthub' shows Upper Lachlan, Yass Valley, Wingecarribee and Goulburn already in drought.

Ms Houterman said farming families in the region have expectations of lower stock prices, which has led to reduced on farm numbers to lower the expense of feeding in winter.

“Some farms are already carrying a significant amount of debt.  Many farming families also have personal issues that are making it harder to cope with drought,” she said.

“You only have to see how dry the paddocks are, or the number of hay trucks coming through towns to know the situation is becoming serious.”

“Unfortunately, many farming families do not seek assistance early on. The later they seek help, the more difficult their problems become and it is harder to get them the assistance they need. This is true for flood and drought relief and other issues such as retirement and succession planning.”

She said there were many reasons why it was important to speak about drought issues.

“Firstly, all rural communities suffer when farming families suffer, as these families are the backbone of the community,” she said. 

“Secondly, as many live in remote areas, it is very important that they get information regarding drought support measures, both those that offer immediate assistance and those that offer longer-term financial support to improve farm water security

“It is also important that farming families get the chance to connect with each other and have access to mental health support.” 

There has been a fluctuation of rain in Braidwood over the past five years, but this year’s rainfall to date (176.8mm) is particularly low.

Early action, according to Ms Houterman, is key to facing this issue.

“Early action, on any problems farming families have, means earlier assistance, easing of stress and longer-term benefits to the families and the community,” she said.

Information is available online but she said the best option is to contact the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS).

Families will be assisted in selecting and applying for financial packages to suit their needs. 

“We urge farmers to take early action to access the government’s financial assistance options,” she said.  

“Cartage costs for fodder or water can be a heavy burden and farm income does not pick up the moment it rains. It takes time to recover.  

“Long-term farm upgrades can also be costly, but can assist to ‘drought-proof’ farming businesses in the future.”

The BoM has advised site users that technical difficulties in March were encountered with the climatic data, potentially impacting rainfall and temperature outputs.