If ever there was a pinch-yourself moment in southern Australian agriculture, then this is it.

And all it takes is a good general rain to change the sentiment across the farming community, which is probably now sitting at highs not seen for years.

Confidence flies in the face of fickle fertiliser and diesel prices, uncertain global trade conditions and alarming forecasts of a super El Nino.

Like the weather, these things are largely out of the everyday control, but what farmers can do is make the most of the hand they have been dealt.

At the moment, that hand is rain, and plenty of it.

Most of southeast Australia will receive another dump this week, and whether it’s 15 or 50mm, it all adds to the prospects for the season.

For livestock producers, the excitement of seeing spring-like conditions and paddocks full of feed is only matched by the steep rise in values.

Lamb and sheep prices have continued their momentum as processors are forced to dig deep to secure numbers.

While the cattle industry faces headwinds thanks to filling its trigger volume quota to China and close to doing the same for South Korea, try telling that to restockers and feedlotters who are going head to head to get numbers.

Farming is a worthy, noble occupation, one that needs the highs to act as a balm to the lows.

And whatever spring might bring, a wet winter, stunning crops, fat livestock and surging sheep and cattle prices is a feeling that needs to be banked up – and enjoyed.