An easterly airflow promised brief respite from the central South Island’s dry late last week but a drought-breaking weather system is desperately needed, farmers’ leaders and industry representatives say.

Early arrival of the dry period in the lower North Island has ‘subdued’ sales of store lambs in the past week or so.

MPI’s David Wansbrough says a lot of people look for the headline ‘drought declaration’, but they should understand what this means in practical terms. 

Be proactive in your thinking and recognise your options because the next three weeks will be crucial in planning to deal with drought.