Recent rainfall has brought a visible return of green vegetation to New South Wales farmlands, which were previously suffering from drought conditions. Despite the improved appearance of pastures, the underlying soil remains depleted of essential nutrients and moisture. This means the benefits are largely superficial, failing to address the long-term impacts of the drought. Farmers are continuing to grapple with significant financial hardship, despite the welcome sight of regrowth. The recovery is therefore uneven, with visual improvements masking persistent economic challenges for the agricultural sector. The situation highlights the difference between ecological recovery and economic recovery following extreme weather events. Further support may be needed to ensure the long-term viability of farming operations in the region.