Farmers in Northland and Waikato have greeted the weekend rain with open arms.

After droughts were declared for the regions in early December, the recent wet weather has been a welcome early Christmas present.

Northland farmer John Blackwell says the rainfall has been hugely variable and it’s the most rain they’ve had since September.

7km up from his farm there was flooding, yet he got just the right amount.

He has received 100mls and says it’s the follow up rain that really counts.

Further south in Northern Waikato, Jim Coteman says the rain is a blessing but it is only the beginning. A green tinge has emerged on paddocks but another week of solid rain is needed to get them safely through the next month.

Receiving 30mls means spirits have been lifted in the region according to Jim and he hopes they can have a further 60mls to help get them through to January.

The Animal Health Boardis also encouraging farmers in drought-affected provinces, including Taranaki, to continue to meet their bovine tuberculosis (TB) testing requirements.

Sustained rainfall after long dry periods increases the risk of TB and facial eczema and farmers are being told to keep a close eye on stock.