And sadly its a refrain they have had to repeat for months now, as even the coastal strip north of Newcastle, that received rains in late February and March, has remained dry through most of April and now well into  May.

We all know with each passing day we are a day closer to a break – but lets be honest too many days have passed and patience is a virtue hard to find in these trying times.

So what can cheer us all up – clouds and the arrival of various rainfall predictors – blue moons, aching bones, flowering gum trees and black cockatoos.  

Farmers around Singleton are still making hay, not just silage but hay that’s how weird the weather has become. 

Support for landholders in these tough times is vital and Local Land Services (LLS) is continuing to work with landholders across the state affected by drought conditions.

Since the beginning of the year, over 2000 landholders have attended 100 Local Land Services workshops, information sessions, ‘smokos’ and ‘cuppas’ to get advice on animal nutrition, pasture management and livestock health.

These events have also enabled Local Land Services to connect landholders with information and support from other stakeholders in specialist areas.

LLS Chair and Holbrook producer Richard Bull was pleased with the level of face-to-face interaction staff were having with landholders at events and through phone calls and emails.

“As conditions have deteriorated, we have increased our response and while it’s not for a great reason, it has been pleasing to see strong turnouts at these events,” he said.

“By having these interactions, we can make sure we are providing landholders with the information and advice they need to manage their farms during these tough conditions.” Mr Bull said the bulk of the enquiries currently were around livestock feeding requirements and fodder quality.

“Most producers have a very good understanding of winter supplementary feeding but staff across the state have been fielding a lot of questions this year about alternative fodder options,” he said.

There are currently over 80 events pencilled in between now and the end of June, while planning for more events is ongoing, Mr Bull said.

“Our role at this time remains the same as always – to assist landholders,” he said.

“LLS will continue to work with landholders to ensure they have as much support as possible.”

“We have teams of veterinarians, livestock and pasture experts, so for any producers who are wanting advice on management decisions, please reach out to your closest Local Land Services office.” 

To find your local office, visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 795 299.