Farmers in South Australia's southeast are experiencing a turnaround in fortunes after a challenging year marked by drought and low livestock prices. Abby Miller, a farmer and accountant from Naracoorte, noted the stark contrast between the barren landscape of a few months ago and the vibrant, green pastures now filled with healthy lambs.

Miller, who faced sheep prices plummeting to as low as $2 per head, expressed her concerns in a letter to South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas. Her advocacy contributed to the expansion of emergency drought support for farmers in the region.

"It's good to walk down the main street or take kids to local sport and see people smiling again," Miller said. She added that the recent rains have instilled a sense of optimism among farmers, allowing them to look forward to the future after enduring two difficult years.

While some areas remain precarious, farmers on the Limestone Coast are beginning to recover financially. In early October, some districts received up to 2 inches of rain, which has allowed farmers to feed their livestock and cultivate crops effectively.

Michael Hunt, a farmer near Bordertown, shared his experience of a tough planting season that turned around with the arrival of rain. "We started planting some barley and some canola and then we stopped because it was dead, dry, dusty and depressing," he said. After a team meeting and a decision to persevere, the rain eventually came, leading to an average harvest year. "I don't think I've ever seen it turn around like that," Hunt added.

Trevor Rayson, a farmer in Hatherleigh, reported receiving about 40mm of rain in early October, which has significantly improved his crop outlook. "We're so much better off than we were … from where we've come from, that's really good," he said. Rayson acknowledged that conditions can vary greatly even within short distances, noting that crops just a few kilometers away do not look as promising.

Scott Hutchings, a senior agronomist with Delta Ag, confirmed the unevenness in crop conditions across the region. He expects average to slightly above-average yields for crops and pastures south of Keith, while farmers further north may face more challenges due to lower rainfall.

Despite the positive changes, farmers remain mindful of their neighbors who are still struggling. Hunt emphasized the importance of supporting one another during tough times. "I'm just aware of all of those that are having a tough year, keep the chin up," he said. Miller echoed this sentiment, expressing concern for those still facing uncertainty. "Farming is a small community — you're in it together, and I think reaching out to friends in regions where it's tough is still very important," she said.

As the season progresses, farmers in the southeast are cautiously optimistic, hoping for continued favorable conditions to support their livelihoods and communities.