increase font size
Photo: Fonterra on Twitter.
Flood-affected farmers are being reminded to reach out for help if they need it.
As the flood waters begin to recede, only now are the full effects of the damage able to be identified on the West Coast and around the Rangitata catchment.
DairyNZ South Island hub lead Tony Finch says the ferociousness of the recent rain took many farmers by surprise and, a few days on, some farms are still working with intermittent power and closed roads affecting milk collection. Approximately 22 farms are affected in the Rangitata and another 40 farms on the West Coast.
“As the flood waters begin to disappear, the full extent of the damage and the clean-up will be seen,” said Finch.
“Some farmers will be thinking about milk that cannot be collected. Every situation is different, and we recommend farmers contact their supply company and local council for advice on the best way to manage uncollected milk. Also talk to your DairyNZ regional team for advice on farm system support.
“It’s worth taking the time to look ahead by creating a feed plan. Assess current feed resources and cow condition, and damage to infrastructure. Damaged, wet tracks can create issues with lameness, so contact your local Healthy Hoof provider, they are trained to help with this problem," said Finch.
“There is also the potential for more rain in the coming week, so we encourage farmers to plan for that by looking at how more rain could add pressure to their system – are the paddocks likely to reflood? Where should the cows be kept? What will you do if milk collection is still cut-off? Planning ahead can support good decision-making at the time.
“Farmers are a pretty resilient bunch and very solutions-focused. Even when they are isolated geographically, there are many people, organisations and information available to support – they are not alone.”
The impacted South Island farms are currently affected by damaged infrastructure, rivers cutting new paths through farmland and silt accumulation across hectares of land. This is compounded in some areas by bridges and roads out of action affecting milk collection.
DairyNZ has flood management information on its website: www.dairynz.co.nz
August 6 marks Farm Worker Appreciation Day, a moment to recognise the dedication and hard mahi of dairy farm workers across Aotearoa - and DairyNZ is taking the opportunity to celebrate the skilled teams working on its two research farms.
OPINION: There is zero chance that someone who joined Fonterra as a lobbyist, then served as a general manager of Fonterra's nutrient management programme, and sat on the board of Export NZ, a division of lobbyist group Business New Zealand, doesn't understand that local butter (and milk and cheese) prices are set by the international commodity price.
OPINION: The Government has been seeking industry feedback on its proposed amendments to a range of Resource Management Act (RMA) national direction instruments.
Kiwis love their butter, and that's great because New Zealand produces some of the best butter in the world. But when the price of butter goes up, it's tough for some, particularly when many other grocery staples have also gone up and the heat goes on co-operative Fonterra, the country's main butter maker. Here the co-op explains why butter prices are so high right now.
DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown has waded into the debate around soaring butter prices, pointing out that the demand for dairy overseas dictates the price to farmers and at the supermarket.
Fresh produce grower and exporter T&G Global has overturned last year’s dismal performance by reporting a half year net profit of $1.7 million.
One of New Zealand’s largest fertiliser plants could be forced to shut down for four months as uncertainty looms over gas supply.
Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green says two public meetings held this week should have made it loud and clear that rural families and businesses are concerned about proposed staffing changes at NZ Police.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is consulting on a proposal to ban weedkillers containing chlorthal-dimethyl (DCPA).
August 6 marks Farm Worker Appreciation Day, a moment to recognise the dedication and hard mahi of dairy farm workers across Aotearoa - and DairyNZ is taking the opportunity to celebrate the skilled teams working on its two research farms.
OPINION: The Government has been seeking industry feedback on its proposed amendments to a range of Resource Management Act (RMA) national direction instruments.
OPINION: Sydney has a $12 million milk disposal problem.
OPINION: Canterbury milk processor Synlait's recovery seems to have hit another snag.
