RAIN has come too late for crops in the Mallee, according to Birchip Cropping Group chief executive Alexandra Gartmann.
Ms Gartmann said heavy rain began falling in the area just after 10am today, part of the rainband sweeping across Victoria from the west.
"It's certainly too late for this year's Mallee crops and too early to be of much benefit for next season," she said.
"But it will help with native vegetation and freshening up the gardens, so that's a positive."
Ms Gartmann said some farmers further south would receive a boost from the rain.
"In the Wimmera area, it's too late for barley but the wheat will probably benefit," she said.
Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Stephen King said the rainband had extended across most of Victoria.
"We're still seeing patchy falls as the band is still in its forming stages," he said on Friday.
Mr King tipped 15-20mm would fall in the state's north and along the ranges on Friday.
He predicted North East Victoria could benefit even further as the rain lingered on Saturday morning.
"The whole rainband should be clear of the state by lunchtime tomorrow (Saturday)," Mr King said.
Victoria's south would receive just 5-10mm, he said, with even less rain forecast in East Gippsland.
