Farmers on Northland's drought-stricken west coast are hoping forecast rain on Wednesday will bring some much-needed relief.
Steady rain was expected to fall from Wednesday afternoon through until Thursday.
A localised drought was declared in the western parts of Northland last month.
Northland Rural Support Trust Co-ordinator, Julie Jonker says the expected rain will be a god-send.
"If we don't get follow up rain it won't be so great but at least it is a start and it will lfit spirits hoping we may get some grass growth before winter".
She says farmers will need to be careful though.
"Stock must be keep off the pasture because if you start feeding it out as it is growing you won't get the permanent pasture growth later".
Julie Jonker says ironically the ideal situation for winter is for reasonably dry conditions.
"What would be nice is not too much rain and a mild winter would be perfect," she said.
