Government brings forward farm tax breaks

The federal government has changed its mind on the start date for farmers getting depreciation measures from 2016 to May 2015.

Farmers will be able to immediately claim generous tax breaks for fences and irrigation channels. (AAP)

Farmers will be able to immediately claim generous tax breaks for fences, silos and irrigation channels.

The federal government has brought forward the start date for depreciation measures announced in the budget following criticism that drought-hit farmers needed them sooner than the originally slated July 2016.

In a statement on Wednesday, Treasurer Joe Hockey said the decision would allow farmers to prepare for drought and invest in farm productivity.