With 60mL falling since January 1, the Esmonds' and their son Patrick are kick starting 2010 with a sorghum crop, which is to be planted in the next month.

In the meantime, while the rain keeps falling, the family is watching green feed shoot up from the black soil country, mainly Blue and Mitchell grass.

Mr Esmond has lived all his life on Lucknow and seen many changes both on the property and within the Central Highlands.

Up until the early 2000s, the Esmonds’ were woolgrowers but transformed their operation to run cattle and grow sorghum, wheat and chickpeas- a vital part of the business.

The cattle operation has also undergone transformation.

“We were dedicated Hereford people for 50 or 60 years but made changes to our herd because our country is soft,” Mr Esmond said.

Today Lucknow runs a variety of crossbred cattle including Santa Gertrudis, Droughtmaster and Charolais.

“The Hereford genes are still strong though,” Mr Esmond said pointing out that the odd beast shows signs of the British breed.

The Esmonds’ beef operation aim is to grow Jap Ox type bullocks and have had great success at the Emerald store sale.

Apart from the producing beef, the Esmonds’ also grow wheat depending on rainfall.

“If we have moisture we will plant wheat in March,” Mr Esmond said.