According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Murray Bridge received just 8mm of rain while Lameroo and Pinnaroo recorded 47mm.

Peake was the region’s wettest area, recording 71mm.

Murray Bridge beef and crop farmers Phil and Andre Hand said more rain was necessary to produce a decent crop for next season.

Mrs Hand said without higher water allocations and more rain the family could not grow the lucerne hay needed to support the farm.

She said lucerne was a long-term crop that could not be planted without guaranteed water allocations.

Mr Hand said more rainfall was needed before Anzac Day.

“If we had an inch and a half now followed up with more rain it would be good,” he said.

“When it rains and then we have hot weather it kills the clover and the grain...we don’t need a hot spell like March last year.”

Bureau of Meteorology SA Climate Section senior meteorologist Darren Ray said while the rainfall for the summer months was average the outlook for autumn was promising.

“Autumn has a slightly greater chance of above average rainfall,” he said.

“All indications at this stage are for a good start to the growing season in agricultural districts.”

Mr Ray said warmer oceans off the north-west coast of Western Australia and the winding down of El Nino could be good news for the Murray River.

“While 85 per cent of Murray River water comes from New South Wales and Victoria, the rains in central Queensland and northern NSW may be helpful,” he said.

“The monthly breakdowns of rainfall are indicating an above average April and May rainfall in NSW and Queensland.”