IT may have been raining recently, but there is still a long way to go.
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That's the message from the Today Show as it delivered eight live crosses from Heifer Station Wines on Tuesday.
Weatherman Tim Davies ran the live crosses between 5.30am and 8.30am, speaking to Heifer Station owner Phil Stivens about the vineyard and cellar door, orchardist Guy Gaeta about the apple crop, James Sweetapple about upcoming FOOD Week events and Angus Barrett about his saddlery.
About 60 students from Nashdale, Borenore and Canobolas public schools also attended.
Mr Barrett said demand for equine equipment had declined during the drought as farms destocked.
"2015 was when we first started to notice it," he said.
"For people using horses for stock, if they're not doing to stock work, that removes the need for the horses.
"Other times, it's recreational, but if people are locked in a drought, they're incredibly busy doing things like feeding and maintenance so horses are probably a bit of a luxury."
Mr Barrett said the business had shifted its focus to bags and belts to cover the gap.
Mr Stivens said he was happy to get promotion for the region.
"We've got to convey that message to the world that just because it has rained, the dollars don't fall out of the sky and it takes a long time to come back," he said.
"A lot of farmers have worked the past 12 months for nothing."
Mr Davies said the visit was part of a week-long focus on drought relief, which started in Broken Hill on Monday.
The crew ate dinner at the Parkview Hotel on Monday night and stayed at the De Russie Suites.
"It was a nice, chilly start at 9 degrees - it was a fresh welcome," he said.
"I loved everything about Orange, I'll definitely be coming back."
Asked about how he managed to deliver the weather while riding and dismounting a horse, he joked "I just do as I'm told".
Eight-year-old Beau and six-year-old Indy Gardiner rode their ponies, Gem and Millie, alongside Mr Davies and offered him some riding advice.
"We told him to put his hands forward," Beau said.
"And to squeeze with his legs," Indy said.
Orange360 executive officer Caddie Marshall said the morning gave FOOD Week national coverage and captured the region's resilience.
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