Federated Farmers says the drought in the western and lower North Island is hurting the entire rural community.
Three regions - Taranaki, Manawatu-Wanganui and Wellington - were declared in a drought just before Christmas, after lower than average rainfall since October.
The West Coast's Buller and Grey Districts were added to that list yesterday.
Federated Farmers Manawatu-Rangitikei president, Richard Morrison, said farmers tightening their belts has downstream effects for other rural businesses which support them.
He got 75 millimetres of rain in the storm, which he said is probably a boost more for the mind than the soil.
"When the grass does start growing again we can make a few more positive decisions moving forward too. It really has brought a bit of relief in terms of the mental head space a lot of farmers are in."
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