News Summary: New Zealand deluge breaks drought

New Zealand farmers relieved as deluge breaks country's most widespread drought in 30 years

RAINING PRAISE: New Zealand's farmers are relieved that a deluge has ended the country's most widespread drought in 30 years.

POURING DOWN: Rain continued to fall Monday in a downpour that has lasted three days over much of the country.

ABOUT THE DROUGHT: The drought began in December and extended over all of the North Island. Farmers estimate it cost them 2 billion New Zealand dollars ($1.7 billion) in lost export earnings after they reduced their herds and cut back on milk production.