Irrigators resigned themselves to a "quiet year" at a panel held by Irrigation Research and Extension Committee on Tuesday.
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Many irrigators in the room had given up on planting anything this season, as the MIA continues to flounder on three per cent general security allocations.
Suddenly faced with the prospect of a lot of free time on their hands, irrigators came together to discuss what to do during a non-growing season.
Agribusiness consultant Michael Ryan suggested getting some rest and relaxation during the down time.
"Try hitting the pause button, maybe even going on a beach holiday," Mr Ryan said.
"We can be sure it'll rain one day and we'll all be very busy when it does."
Mr Ryan said the off-season was a good chance to sit down and straighten out the farm's finances and sort out the cash flows for the months and years ahead.
He said it was also a chance to upskill and take part in the various courses and workshops around the region.
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Irrigator Chris Morshead said he'd finally be able to spend some quality time with his family.
"I once spent four full school weeks without seeing my kids - I got up before the sun rose and came home after they'd gone to bed," Mr Morshead said.
"Now I can spend a bit of time being a parent."
Mr Morshead suggested using the spare time to get involved in advocacy and join lobbying groups, such as the NSW Irrigators Council or Cotton Australia, or learning more about the economic and political system.
"The more we understand about markets, the basin plan, and why this is happening, the better," he said.
Mr Morshead said the quiet season was also a good time to start tackling the odd-jobs around the farm - the broken fence posts, the bits and bobs that needed attending to around the place.
He said it was important for irrigators to keep their hands busy to ward off the feelings of boredom and depression that come from long periods of inactivity.
Agronomy expert Kieran O'Keeffe said it was important, now more than ever, to look after one another's mental health.
"It's important to maintain our mental health, and we need to be very upfront and look out for one another," Mr O'Keeffe said.
"All irrigators should stay together - we've splintered, but we need to come together."
The mood in the room, despite everything, was optimistic.
Mr Ryan said irrigators had bounced back from droughts before, and would again.
"It will rain one day, and we should be prepared when it does," he said.
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