It will be at least two months before a decision is announced on whether the Exceptional Circumstances for the Bundarra district will be rolled over for another twelve months.

The Nationals Duty Senator for New England John Williams has met with representatives of the National Rural Advisory Council during their tour of the district today when they visited three properties.

The visit is part of a review to see if the EC should be rolled over past the April 30 deadline.

At each location, a small group of farmers met with NRAC and outlined their current situation compared with how they were when they went into EC in mid-2010.

Senator Williams handed the officers other information provided by farmers to his office.

He said NRAC made it clear in the meetings its review will be based on the recovery of seasonal conditions rather than the farmers' financial situation.

"By providing EC support for the past two years the government has helped these farming families get back on their feet, but the majority are still not back to full production.

Breeding stock had to be sold off during the drought. One grazier told me he was forced to sell 140 breeders and is now at only two-thirds capacity as he hasn't been able to afford the high cattle prices to fully re-stock.

Unlike many other countries, Australia provides very limited financial assistance for its farmers. They are at the mercy of the weather and the market and recovery takes a long time.

Whilst NRAC says it is only taking into account seasonal conditions, farmers who met the representatives today said they are in a better position than two years ago, but they could still do with more support in the short-term.

The matter will be discussed by the 8 members of NRAC and a report will be forwarded to Agriculture Minister Senator Joe Ludwig for an announcement late in March", Senator Williams said.