International Day of Rural Women: Two DairyNZ Farmers’ Stories
Today, 15 October, is the International Day of Rural Women, which recognises rural women’s contribution to farming, communities and the environment.
DairyNZ’s farm performance general manager Sarah Speight says dairy farmers in Northland, Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, Waikato, Hawke’s Bay and the Lower North Island appear to be the most impacted.
“We won’t know the full extent of damage across the regions until flood waters recede, but we will continue working closely with those directly impacted to understand the support required,” says Speight.
“Recovery will take some time, but DairyNZ and other sector partners are providing regionally relevant support where possible, including feed budgeting assistance, as many cycloneaffected farmers had damage to crops and feed supplies.”
Speight says recovering from these events takes a toll on families, farm staff and their families, and farm businesses, and the support agencies are here to work with farmers through the recovery period.
DairyNZ is working closely with Fonterra, MPI, Rural Support Trust, Federated Farmers, and other rural professionals to ensure a cohesive response and provide farmers with the support they need across the regions.
“Many dairy farmers have experienced extensive flooding and wind damage, which has impacted farm paddocks, crops and infrastructure, including broken fences and damaged herd homes.
“Some farms are still without power, which is causing real concern, as it impacts farmers’ ability to milk their cows and provide fresh water,” says Speight.
“The focus for farmers right now is to ensure that their animals are fed, watered and comfortable.
“We know that if milking is an issue, cows can tolerate delays of a few days and can return to production with careful handling.
“Recovery of pastures and cropped areas should be discussed once the situation is clearer, either with your DairyNZ extension partner or relevant rural professionals.”
