Having ploughed in time for next year's crops, the farmers are hopeful the heavens will open soon so they can return to normal.

Clarkes Hill farmer and McCain Growers Group vice-president Dominic Prendergast said the land was the driest he had ever witnessed on his Brackenhurst property and he feared the worst.

"I've cut back from 160 acres to 50. Some farmers have cut right back because of a lack of water and increasing costs," he said.

The Richardsons at Newlyn have cut production by half.

Kane Richardson described the situation as "pretty ordinary".

"There's no water and no incentive from McCain's for a pay rise," Mr Richardson said.

"It's the worst I've ever seen it. Hopefully we can hang in there and return to normal."

Des Leonard from Glenlyon said he had cut his potato production by about 20 per cent.

"Working the ground is hard. You have to work it quick because it dries out quick," he said.

Mr Leonard said his dams were only half full.

"We got through last year alright. The spuds were good," he said.

"But this year it's just too dry and it takes more water."

Farming elder Colin Toose, who dropped out of the agricultural industry 10 years ago because of the increased costs, said it was the driest weather conditions in 62 years.

"It will definitely put people in a lot of financial debt," he said.

"I have enough to keep me going but the young farmers will suffer a lot."

Mr Prendergast said he transported potatoes to Melbourne three or four times a week to keep his finances stable.