App to help cyclone recovery

A free cloud-based information storage app, the Flood Recovery app has a range of features that aim to make tracking and recovering from recent flooding a much easier task. These include tools like recording animal health, attaching photos and insurance documentation, holding receipts and quotes required for MPI grants, managing staff communications, accessing the National Feed Co-ordination Service and registering for Farmy Army assistance.

Gretchen King, managing director of Cloud Farmer, explains why this is such an important project for the team.

"Our family farm, near Porangahau, got away relatively unscathed with minor damages, but ever since the cyclone we've been busy helping friends and neighbours with the clean-up," she says.

"My heart is aching for farmers in the region who have lost hundreds of hectares, stock and so much worse. We wanted to do something productive to help farmers, the way we know best."

The Flood Recovery app will initially be available for an initial period of 3 months, which could be extended if farmers need it for longer while they navigate insurance claims. When finished with the app, farmers will be able to export their data in one file for future reference.

Katie McCabe, business manager for Cloud Farmer, said the company understands that the support farmers need at this time is not just going to be around storing information.

She says that's why it has made sure the Flood Recovery app includes important well-being tools to give farmers access to mental health support and the right contacts.

"We were already noticing the decline in farmer optimism following a tough season," McCabe adds.

"It's not isolated to the Hawke's Bay, as we have seen floods across the North Island and the opposite challenge of drought down south.

"We want to encourage farmers to reach out for help if they are struggling with their thoughts. That's why we feel an important part of the app is making it easy to get in touch with mental wellbeing support if you are in need."

The free Flood Recovery app includes important information from Federated Farmers and support services like Farmstrong, Rural Support Trust and mental health support agencies, as well as key contact information.

Just like the Cloud Farmer app, information can be added to the Flood Recovery app when you are offline.

Farmers will be able to sign up for the app free of charge at www.cloud-farmer.app, while existing Cloud Farmer customers can access the app through the menu on their home screen.