He recorded 24.5mm.

As one of 24 farmers around the district growing the first commercial pyrethrum crop, Mr Hanrahan said the rain had helped the crops to shoot up.

Pyrethrum is a natural insecticide made from the dried flower heads of the plant.

A 16ha pyrethrum crop at Ascot was the first sown in the district back in September.

Sowing was completed in October. Mr Hanrahan has planted 11ha of pyrethrum, which has a daisy-like appearance and white petals.

Mr Hanrahan said the rain had brought "a late spring'', although it was never too late to have the rain.

"It will also keep the grass and clover going, it will really top it off now.'' Meanwhile, Mr Hanrahan said most farmers around the district were in a similar situation, enjoying the rain while it came.

"The neighbour was sowing his potatoes last week, and the rain provided ideal conditions - it means he hasn't had to irrigate,'' he said.