EVERY dark cloud has a silver lining, and in the case of the clouds over the Riverina in June the silver lining was desperately-needed rain.

Many centres in the region's west recorded better than average falls.

Narrandera topped the list with 93.9 millimetres, compared to a June average of 37.2mm.

Hay, Griffith, Wyalong and Temora also bettered their long-term averages.

There was less rainfall to the east, but totals were mainly only slightly below average and the rain generally fell regularly throughout the month.

Wagga's 47.8mm was only 2.5mm below the average of 50.3mm.

Grain growers are watching their winter crops rise from the ground and graziers are putting their stock onto growing pastures.

Everyone is hoping this season will provide relief from up to eight years of drought in a row.

n Continued Page 2