Otago farmers are being warned to prepare for another summer of drought.

The Otago Regional Council says a La Nina pattern is predicted for summer and parts of the south remain at risk of drought.

Presently farmers are enjoying moisture-rich soil, from steady rainfall throughout spring.

The ORC says it's not as dry as it was this time last year and ground conditions are close to normal.

Aquifers and some rivers have also been replenished from recent rain.

But that's due to change, with NIWA predicting below average rainfall for Otago.

The ORC's encouraging farmers to collaborate on drought preparations.

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