South Canterbury farmers are battling a dry summer, but say it is not all doom and gloom.
Federated Farmers' South Canterbury president, Ivon Hurst said there had been no significant rain since June, and it had not been this dry in 10 years.
He said if there was no rain by the end of January, farmers would be in serious trouble.
Mr Hurst said there was some relief for sheep and beef farmers, in that those who have to offload stock were getting good money for them.
He said there were markets for stock now, unlike 30 or 40 years ago.
