Federated Farmers says the winter is still going to be a challenge for many farmers in Northland.
There has been rain in the region in the past week, but it hasn't been enough to break the drought in most of the region.
The Bay of Islands area has benefitted the most, with about 180mm. Other areas including western Northland, the Far North and south of Whangarei have received 30 - 40mm of rain, which has been enough to start pastures greening up again.
But the Northland Rural Support Trust says it's a different story for the rest of the region.
Co-ordinator Helen Moodie says most areas need another 30 - 50mm of rain to break the drought.
Federation president Matthew Long says follow-up rain will give some areas reasonable pasture growth, provided conditions don't get too cold.
