The catch-up at the Webb family’s woolshed was an opportunity for around 60 farmers from all over the local countryside, including Orange and Capertee, areas to meet and socialise, according to Local Land Services Central Tablelands board member John Lowe.

Mr Lowe said the occasion allowed farmers struggling with drought to meet to keep spirits up – and it was a huge success.

The event coincided with a meeting of the NSW Farmers, who are closely linked with R U OK?, an initiative which encourages people to check on their neighbours and help each other out.

“These social events were a really nice low-key way of getting the message across, but not taking up the whole event,” Mr Lowe said.

The event was attended by NSW Farmers president Fiona Simson, CEO Matt Brand, Bathurst MP Paul Toole and NSW Farmers regional manager Peter Malcolm.

Ms Simson said she was amazed at the difference in the Tarana valley from a few months ago.

“I was blown away by the green,” she said.

But she also said she understood the grass was still short and that farmers would be hoping the frosts stayed away to get some growth before winter.

And despite the change in the season in this area, many farmers further west were still struggling with terrible drought conditions.

Mr Toole said it was incredible how the rain had transformed the country and people’s attitudes.

Due to his upbringing on the land, Mr Toole said he understands farmers are the resilient custodians of the land.

Mr Webb said the idea was to get farmers talking to their neighbours and to talk about mental health.

He said the recent announcement that drought assistance had been given to farmers in the Oberon area was very welcome, but that back-dating only to February 1 was disappointing.

“By then, people had already spent money on freight and feed,” he said.