University of New England Kirby SMART Farm project leader David Lamb, pictured, said if a dry period hits, it could spell disaster for farm pastures that are already depleted, and drive up the price of livestock feed. 

“Looking around now the stock are chewing up most of the green,” Professor Lamb said.

“Pasture rules and without pasture it means handfeeding.”

NSW Farmers Association Armidale branch President Andrew Cameron said the temperature shift could spell

 disaster for farmers, who are already hurting.

“We’ve already had three to four years of dry springs anyway,” he said.

Mr Cameron said those farms located west of Armidale will be worst hit with dry temperatures.

“Out west people will be pretty nervous,” he said.

Those located to the east of town could also suffer, with all farmers running the chance of running out of water completely. 

 “If you run out of water you run out of water; it’s not cost effective to bring water in,” he said.

“If you run out of seed you still have a couple of options.”

Despite the continued impact of 

dry weather on New England 

farming,   Professor Lamb thinks livestock farming is best for the climate here. 

“The thing about the New England is that it is eminently suited to livestock-over the last 200 years of farming we’ve tried everything,” Professor Lamb said.

“We’ve got a viable grape and wine industry but they still struggle with late-spring frosts.”