University of Waikato research reveals 2050 drought threats
New research could help farmers prepare for a future where summer rainfall is increasingly unpredictable and where drought risk is rising, no matter what.
MPI says while recent rains have brought welcome respite from dry weather in much of the country, farmers in drought-affected regions will feel the impact of El Niño for months.
The ministry is monitoring the weather closely and keeping ministers updated. It is also working through Rural Support Trust branches and industry groups to ensure support for farmers.
"In many drought-hit areas, particularly Canterbury and Marlborough, the rain was a great morale booster," says MPI's director of resource policy David Wansbrough.
"Crop farmers have had a better start to the year, as any good rainfall like this helps new crop growth. But where pasture has died from over a year of dry weather more rain will be needed to break the drought and it will be months before production recovers.
"Much of Otago was less lucky and didn't receive the rainfall of their northerly neighbours. In Strath Taieri some locals are saying it's the driest they have ever seen it."
Rural Support Trust reports that the financial and emotional impact of drought is starting to pinch some farmers. (Farmers and their families can contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254 for advice and information; or Federated Farmers feed line on 0800 376 844 to help get feed to drought-hit farms.)
"Increasingly dry Northland did particularly well out of this month's deluge, getting up to 80mm of rain, but has since been hammered by strong easterly winds which hasten soil drying and it can damage some crops."
MPI continues to monitor soil moisture deficits in the North Island, knowing many farmers are still recovering from the June 2015 storms in Taranaki and Whanganui.
Dawn Meats is set to increase its proposed investment in Alliance Group by up to $25 million following stronger than forecast year-end results by Alliance.
A day after the ouster of PGG Wrightson’s chair and his deputy, the listed rural trader’s board has appointed John Nichol as the new independent chair.
Tributes are pouring in from across the political divide for former Prime Minister Jim Bolger who passed away, aged 90.
The iconic services building at National Fieldays' Mystery Creek site will be demolished to make way for a "contemporary replacement that better serves the needs of both the community and event organisers," says board chair Jenni Vernon.
Agri advisor Perrin Ag says its graduate recruitment programme continues to bring new talent into the agricultural sector.
Entries are open for the 2026 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA).
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