Mid-Canterbury farmers are counting their blessings after a snowy start to spring

As much as 100 millimetres of snow coated the foothills yesterday - but stock are in good condition to cope with the cold snap.

Mt Somers Station co-owner David Acland says they got off lightly with lambing due to start in another fortnight, while newborn calves were quickly put into a warm space.

He says farmers have learned after being burnt by major events such as the big snowfall of 1992.

Acland says larger snow storms of 30 centimetres are tougher on animals, but farmers are better placed to cope with four wheel drive tractors and winter crops.