Agribusiness Ruralco says trading in the first four months of its fiscal year has been solid despite dry conditions.
Ruralco says sales from October to January were higher despite weather conditions constraining demand for products needed for spring and summer cropping.
Chairman Richard England said it was heartening to see many areas of eastern Australia receiving much needed rainfall over the past six to eight weeks.
"Whilst more is needed to signal a genuine end to the drought period, confidence levels in most of the sectors we participate in appear to be rising," he told the company's annual general meeting.
Ruralco's diversification into water services and live export had boosted revenue, Mr England said.
Sales in its water products network, Total Eden, were in line with expectations in the three months to December, and key growth markets, including northern Australia, were being explored, he said.
Volume in the Frontier Live Export business continued to rise as dry conditions led to accelerated livestock sales.
Prices had been strong given robust international demand for Australian meat and livestock.
Ruralco shares closed up two cents at $3.72.
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