Wednesday, 18 December 2024 08:55

Drought looms

Written by  Peter Burke
Lochie MacGillivray Lochie MacGillivray

Farmers on the east coast of the North Island are facing a quandary as hot, dry weather and dropping soil moisture levels persist.

AgFirst's Lochie MacGillivray, based in Hawke's Bay, told Rural News farmers are in 'no man's land' as they try to second guess what might happen with the weather in December/January. He says they are torn between acting now in anticipation of a drought or holding back in case it doesn't happen - and no one can say with any certainty what the outcome may be.

"The store lamb store price is slipping away and so for farmers to unload more animals, which in some cases could be absolutely the right decision, means they are gambling that there won't be substantial rain coming in January," he says. "But then what happens if we get some of those tropical cyclones in between the hot weather?"

MacGillivray says part of the problem is that it is neither a strong El Nino or a strong La Nina which makes modelling the outcome very difficult so at present the position could be described as 'neutral'. He says what the weather does in the next few weeks will be crucial. He points out that in the past few weeks temperatures have been in the 30s and winds have been strong.

But while livestock farmers are concerned about the weather, most of those in the horticulture sector are more than happy with the hot dry spell. Gordon McPhail of Leaderbrand, based in Gisborne, says the weather has resulted in one of their best years in a long time.

He says their sweet corn crop is nearly two weeks ahead of normal and they are planning to sell two million cobs of corn in the next few weeks. He says they are hoping the weather will stay as it is especially with their 350 hectares of grapes due for harvest in February.

McPhail says summer crops such as corn and watermelons are important for his company and they have hopes for good sales in the coming months.

More like this

Contract milkers hit hard by drought crisis

Many contract milkers in badly drought affected regions around the country are coming under severe financial stress and farm owners are being urged to help them through a bad patch until the start of the new season.

Featured

Rural contractors call for overhaul of ag vehicle rules

Following a recent overweight incursion that saw a Mid-Canterbury contractor cop a $12,150 fine, the rural contracting industry is calling time on what they consider to be outdated and unworkable regulations regarding weight and dimensions that they say are impeding their businesses.

NZ seeks certainty on US tariff, says McClay

Trade Minister Todd McClay says his officials plan to meet their US counterparts every month from now on to better understand how the 15% tariff issue there will play out, and try and get some certainty there for our exporters about the future.

Trial shows benefits of spring nitrogen use

A landmark New Zealand trial has confirmed what many farmers have long suspected - that strategic spring nitrogen use not only boosts pasture growth but delivers measurable gains in lamb growth and ewe condition.

Eric Roy: Championing the pork industry

It was recently announced that former MP and Southland farmer Eric Roy has stepped down of New Zealand Pork after seven years. Leo Argent talks with Eric about his time at the organisation and what the future may hold.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

"Our" business?

OPINION: One particular bone the Hound has been gnawing on for years now is how the chattering classes want it…

Struth blue!

OPINION: Our Aussie mates never miss a chance to put one over us, as seen in a recent op-ed by…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter