The hot dry summer that's pushed parts of the North Island into drought has been a boon for farmers harvesting grain and grass seed crops.
Federated Farmers grain and seed chairperson Ian Mackenzie says it has been the easiest season he has known in Canterbury, the main growing area, although the volume won't be up to last year's exceptional harvest.
Mr Mackenzie said the harvest has been easy to get in but some very hot dry conditions over Christmas meant it was not quite as good as it could have been.
He said New Zealand barley and wheat prices are sitting well below international levels though are expected to pick up as pressure goes on supplies.
