Farmer Paul Manwaring in Cootamundra, NSW, faces a dire drought as rainfall forecasts fail to materialize, leading to tough decisions such as selling livestock and abandoning crops. While some regions experience flooding, much of southern Australia is suffering from severe drought conditions, exacerbated by a long-term shift towards drier weather patterns. Farmers are calling for greater drought support and awareness, highlighting the mental health impacts and the financial strain of adapting to unprecedented dry conditions.