Some parts of the drought-stricken Monaro and South Coast have finally got some decent rain, with up to 100 millimetres recorded, while at least 35 centimetres of snow has fallen in the Snowy Mountains.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said the wet conditions were due to a low-pressure system in the Tasman sea, but it was looking less likely that this would develop into a classic east coast low.
However, it was expected the rain would hang around in the Monaro and South Coast into Tuesday before heading north, impacting areas of the Illawarra, Central Coast and parts of the Hunter later in the week.
Monaro Livestock and Property director Will Dixon said most people had had around 25mm to 50mm in the Cooma district and the rain was still falling.
Mr Dixon said although the rain was very appreciated and would add to the water table - it was too cold at this time of year to get the grass growing.
"We don't wake up until the end of August-September when the longer, warmer days hit," Mr Dixon said.
He said there was currently a large number of stock, including sheep, on agistment, with only around 280mm to 330mm of rain recorded for the calendar year, June to June.
"That's about half the average rainfall so we have a fair bit of catching up to do," Mr Dixon said.
"If it looks like we'll have a spring the stock on agistment will come home, if we miss a spring they'll probably be sold from where they are."
Bombala sheep and cattle producer, Jim Feilen, Merrigang, said they had received 100mm since yesterday.
"It's been a long time between drinks, quite often the rest of the state can be pretty good and we can be on the wrong end of it, but that reverses too, what comes around goes around," Mr Feilen said.
"But, people are optimistic, we're probably due for a spring."
Mr Feilen has just moved 80 head of breeding cattle from agistment at Delegate to Quirindi and 100 head of cows and calves on agistment at Walcha were recently sold on AuctionsPlus.
"It was time to cash out given how good the market was," Mr Feilan said.
"Our 80 breeders in Quirindi are all the cattle we have left now, they're due to calve soon, we'll try and hold onto them and start again from there."
Central West begin to look ahead to summer
The Monaro and South Coast weren't the only areas to receive good rain, with widespread falls across cropping areas of the Central West, Riverina and parts of the North West over the weekend.
Pursehouse Rural Coonabarabran branch manager Tim Evans said producers had been flat out spreading urea and spraying for broadleafs before the rain arrived.
"There's well above average yield potential at the moment and people are putting on urea to pump it up even more," Mr Evans said.
He said most people in the region had had from 20mm to 60mm.
"It was good widespread rain, it's even starting to look good for summer crops, people are looking ahead," Mr Evans said.
Until 9am on Monday morning the Bureau of Meteorology had recorded 45mm for Peak Hill, 42mm for Dubbo and 30mm for Trangie.
In the Riverina, West Wyalong had managed to get 28mm, and Young in the South West Slopes had the same. Corowa and Hay had 25mm.
In the North West, there was 30mm at Walgett and 25mm at Wee Waa.
