Farmers throughout Otago and Southland are looking forward to spring, but many are watching their pennies as cashflow slows.
North Otago Federated Farmers president and sheep and beef farmer Ross Ewing said the weather had been kind in North Otago this year.
"Our stock have never come out of a winter looking so good," Mr Ewing said.
The recent rainfall in the district had made it "spring-like", he said.
"It is a very nice situation to be in going through to spring and starting lambing.
"We have got a surplus of feed ... almost too good.
"I've got my sheep on an exercise regime," Mr Ewing said.
DairyNZ South Canterbury/North Otago consulting officer Robyn MacKenzie said it had been a "very, very kind winter" compared with last year and stock had been able to put on more weight.
"Cows are in better condition.
"Pasture growth has been about average," Miss MacKenzie said.
Otago Federated Farmers Dairy chairman David Wilson said with the low payout expected this season, farmers were "watching their pennies".
The effect of the world recession was something everybody had to "get their heads around".
In his region things were going well and conditions were reasonable, he said.
However, farmers were holding off on any spending until they had the cash to do so, Mr Wilson said.
The weather was still cold but it had not been too wet.
"Things are ticking along ... people are busy."
Southland Federated Farmers Meat and Fibre chairman Martin Hall said after a week of fine weather in the region farmers' spirits had lifted and they were hoping for more warm weather.
"We are always short of feed in early spring.
"I don't think this year is any different.
"We will be tight," Mr Hall said.
Southland Federated Farmers Sharemilkers' Section chairman Matthew Richards said conditions underfoot were "almost perfect".
It was almost dry and soil temperatures were still low but improving, Mr Richards said.
Pasture covers were lower than average but there was plenty of supplement to be had and he was looking forward to a good season.
Farmers were definitely watching where their money was going because they had to "make this season work".
Mr Richards said he had carried out soil testing on his properties and while he was applying nitrogen he was holding off on applying other fertilisers and he would not be buying expensive supplements.
Southland Federated Farmers Grain and Seed and Maize Growers chairman John Gardyne said conditions were looking good for arable farmers getting "first workings done".
However, arable farmers were also facing a degree of uncertainty for the season ahead.
Mr Gardyne said, as yet, there were no contracts out to grow feed barley or feed wheat and so arable farmers might be forced to grow other crops this year.
"People will have to take a punt on that.
"There are not too many options out there.
There might be options for some to look to fattening lambs but others will have to "sow down", and many would have "shied off" offering winter grazing for next season.
Mr Gardyne said many cropping farmers were "caught out" when dairy farmers pulled back from winter grazing, this year, in an effort to save on costs.
And what arable farmers did not know was how much of last season's barley the dairy industry would use before November.
"In the meantime, we have to know what to plant now."
Mr Gardyne foresaw problems with cropping farmers trying to sell their grain now if they "haven't got a home for it".
North Otago Federated Farmers Grain and Seed spokesperson Peter Mitchell said there had been good rainfall in the region and soil moisture levels were good.
It had been a "wee bit of challenge" establishing some crops because winter came early, he said.
"Things that were sown late have been a little challenging.
"As far as cropping options are going there is some uncertainty out there [going into the new season] as to where prices and demand are going," Mr Mitchell said.