Tuesday, 21 January 2025 08:55

Farmers faring well amid summer heat

Written by  Jessica Marshall
DairyNZ head of regional teams, Claire Bekhuis. DairyNZ head of regional teams, Claire Bekhuis.

Dairy farmers are faring well despite data showing above average temperatures for most of the country.

DairyNZ head of regional teams, Claire Bekhuis, says that dairy farmers are doing well although the weather has varied from region to region.

“The Waikato and Bay of Plenty have experienced some summer rain combined with good growth conditions, season to date, meaning there is lots of feed available as well as supplementary feed on hand,” Bekhuis says.

She says that patches in the South Taranaki and Northland regions are experiencing relatively dry conditions, impacting pasture growth and day-to-day operations.

She says these regions are being watched and regularly assessed to see whether or not conditions worsen.

The rest of the lower North Island is experiencing relatively normal summer temperatures and has seen some rain in recent weeks, meaning that while those regions are slightly dry, it is not at a concerning level.

Bekhuis says in the South Island, conditions are similar, with Canterbury experiencing recent rain and Southland seeing consistent grass growth in the past month. However, the latter is still impacted by the extreme wet conditions that hit the region in the spring.

“While conditions are comfortable for most dairy farms right now, we are only halfway through summer, and conditions may change in the coming weeks,” she says.

“It is key for farmers to constantly assess and monitor their situation, and plan on how to handle feed, reduce stress and minimise the impacts on next season.

“This could include JESSICA MARSHALL DairyNZ head of regional teams, Claire Bekhuis. “While conditions are comfortable for most dairy farms right now, we are only halfway through summer, and conditions may change in the coming weeks.” considering different flexible milking options to reduce pressure on cows, demand on feed and people,” she says.

According to recent data from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), 2024 marked New Zealand’s 10th warmest year on record.

According to NIWA’s 2024 Annual Climate Summary, annual temperatures were above average for much of Northland, northern Waikato, Bay of Plenty, coastal Hawke’s Bay, southern Taranaki, Whanganui, eastern and southern Wairarapa, Tasman, inland northern Canterbury, Banks Peninsula, and eastern Otago.

More like this

DairyNZ project wins national award

A project reducing strains and sprains on farm has won the Innovation category in the New Zealand Workplace Health and Safety Awards 2025.

Featured

IFSO urges flood-affected residents to document damage for insurance

Following heavy rain which caused flooding in parts of Nelson-Tasman and sewerage overflows in Marlborough, the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is urging homeowners and tenants to be cautious when cleaning up and to take the right steps to support claims.

National

Machinery & Products

Farming smarter with technology

The National Fieldays is an annual fixture in the farming calendar: it draws in thousands of farmers, contractors, and industry…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

110,000 visitors!

OPINION: It's official, Fieldays 2025 clocked 110,000 visitors over the four days.

Sticky situation

OPINION: The Federated Farmers rural advocacy hub at Fieldays has been touted as a great success.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter