Thursday, 28 March 2024 08:48

Dry weather classification expands to North Island

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
The Government has expanded the medium-scale adverse event classification to cover parts of the North Island. The Government has expanded the medium-scale adverse event classification to cover parts of the North Island.

The dry weather in some parts of the North Island has received medium-scale adverse event classification from the Government.

Northland, Taranaki, Horizons and Greater Wellington regions including the Wairarapa join parts of the South Island that were classified earlier this month.

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says dry weather conditions are persisting in many parts of the country.

McClay says up to $80,000 will be provided to Rural Support Trusts covering the North Island regions.

“Extremely dry and difficult conditions are affecting communities across the North Island, and conditions are not expected to improve in the short-term.

“The classification unlocks further support for farmers and growers, including tax relief, and it enables MSD to consider Rural Assistance Payments.

 “It comes on top of the $90,000 allocated to Rural Support Trusts in the South Island to ensure extra support was available.”

McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson have been visiting affected regions to meet with farmers, growers, and sector groups.

 “Farmers across parts of the lower North Island, including Wairarapa and the Tararua district, are still recovering from Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023,” notes Patterson,

“Some farm dams are starting to dry up and winter supplementary feed is already being fed to livestock. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has been working with sector groups, regional bodies, and farmers to prepare for El Niño since its arrival last year; and continue to monitor the situation to determine where additional support is needed.

 “MPI will continue to work closely with local rural advisory groups, drought committees and Rural Support Trusts to determine if additional support is needed.”

 Farmers and growers who require support are encouraged to contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.

More like this

Methane targets disappoint farmers

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) has reiterated calls for New Zealand to revise its methane targets after the Government's "disappointing" announcement of its revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

'Prepare for more pine trees'

Prepare for more pine trees. That's the message from North Otago farmer Jane Smith following the new methane emission targets recently announced by the Government.

Ahuwhenua Trophy finalists announced

Farms from Northland and northern Hawke's Bay are the finalists in this year's Ahuwhenua Trophy competition for the top Māori sheep and beef farms.

Bracing for US tariffs

This year won't be an easy one for the red meat sector, says Meat Industry Association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva.

Featured

Wool pellets to boost gardens

With wool prices steadily declining and shearing costs on the rise, a Waikato couple began looking for a solution for wool from their 80ha farm.

'Cheap seed comes with major risks'

Choosing pasture seed at bargain prices may seem an attractive way for farmers to reduce autumn or spring re-sowing costs, but it comes with significant risks, says the NZ Plant Breeders and Research Association (PBRA).

High commodity prices, farmer optimism bode well for event

The 2025 South Island Agricultural Field Days (SIAFD) chairman, Rangiora farmer Andrew Stewart, is predicting a successful event on the back of good news coming out of the farming sector and with it a greater level of optimism among farmers.

National

Global wool marketplace to launch

Wools of New Zealand will soon launch the international version of an online global wool marketplace designed to bring farmers…

Machinery & Products

New seed drill tech coming

Incorporating Vaderstad's latest seed drill technology, the Proceed V 24, is said to improve precision and increase planting efficiencies for…

Foliar feeding 'lifts N efficiency'

Research findings published in Europe support the concept of foliar fertilisation or foliar feeding in improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE)…

AGCO and SDF join hands

Tractor and machinery manufacturer AGCO has signed a supply agreement with the European-based SDF Group, best known for its SAME,…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Waffle man

OPINION: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon sometimes can't escape his own corporate instinct for evasion, and in what should have been…

Banks on notice

OPINION: Shane 'Matua' Jones, crusader against all things woke, including "woke banks", couldn't have scripted it better when his NZ…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter