Farmers across New South Wales' central-west are battling what is being described as the driest period in at least a decade.
Some areas have received around a third of their average rainfall, with Orange recording just 99 millimetres of rain so far in 2018, while the average is 256mm.
It is not just the lack of rain, but also the heat, with record-breaking temperatures close to 10 degrees above average.
And the impact of the hot dry season is beginning to bite.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries has declared the central-west and central tablelands as being under drought watch, while a State Government loan scheme has been announced.
It allows farmers to access grants of up to $20,000, which will be interest-free or low-interest, to help cover transport costs.
NSW Farmers Orange branch president Bruce Reynolds said dam levels were quite low and pasture was starting to run out.
"Most producers now, particularly on the central tablelands, are feeding oats or hay to their livestock," Mr Reynolds said.
"Water consumption is getting toward unheard of levels given the extreme conditions, with major destocking taking place."
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