Bendigo received 45.4mm of rain in the 24 hour period to 9am, April 10, the wettest period since records started in 1991. 

Rita Barber of Coliban Park in Elphinstone said the rain had been “fantastic” after a dry patch. 

“Our land was bare, dusty and dry and now it’s green and growing,” she said. 

“We had 30mm overnight and some of our friends had up to 50mm. 

“We’re still feeding our sheep, but it won’t be long before we won’t have to feed them any more. 

“It’s just fantastic.”

Marong farmer Rowan McKinnon said there had been a good start to the season but further rain was needed later in the year.

“It’s perfect as far as we’re concerned,” he said. 

“It’s been a good soaking of rain and the grasses have already started growing after the rain we had a week ago. 

“The last six months have been fairly costly as far feeding stock goes.” 

Rainfall caused minor flooding in White Hills on Thursday. 

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Rod Dickson said lower-than-average rainfall was predicted for the period until June, with several indications of an El Nino weather pattern .