Looking out over the Western Riverina plains, Stuart Arnold scrapes his boot over the parched land and admits "farming has become a battle".
It has been three years since his 3200-hectare mixed farming property Kyalla on the outskirts of Berrigan lost its entire 6500 megalitre water licence.
Last year was the first time in memory Mr Arnold can recall no rice being grown on Kyalla, and the majority of the 3000ha of last year's failed cereal crop were cut for hay – with many bales still unsold in sheds.
But while current conditions may be tough, for families like the Arnolds who have managed to prosper for more than 100 years in farming, throwing ones hands in the air has never been part of the game plan.
In fact, it has been change that has kept the family farm expanding Mr Arnold believes.
Five years ago Stuart and his brother Neil, who co-runs Kyalla, made a decision that they both agree has today kept the "food on the table".
