Friday, 14 February 2025 10:46

Industry monitoring dry conditions

Written by  Staff Reporters
Neil Bateup says usual summer conditions have returned to the regions. Neil Bateup says usual summer conditions have returned to the regions.

While it has been a great spring and summer for farmers, soil moisture levels in the Waikato are now plummeting as the dry February starts to bite.

The Waikato and South Auckland Primary Industry Adverse Event Cluster core group convened earlier this week to collectively review conditions and information from farmers and growers across the region.

The group was set up in 2016 to bring together agencies from the primary industries, central and local governments to prepare for and coordinate responses to adverse events.

Ohinewai farmer and group chairperson, Neil Bateup says usual summer conditions have returned to the regions.

He adds that it’s good to see farmers are generally well-prepared.

“There is plenty of supplementary feed about for stock at present following a good spring and farmers generally are reported to be coping,” Bateup says.

“With no significant rain forecast for the region in the near future we want to reassure farmers that we’ve got this situation on our radar and we’re looking out for them.”

Bateup encourages people to look after their own wellbeing and take a moment to check on neighbours.

“Farmers will need to be agile,” he says. “It will rain and conditions will improve, but we do not know if this will be early or late March.”

Bateup says farmers should stay in contact with rural professionals and graziers, to regularly review feed and financial budgets, and have a plan B and plan C.

“Influence what you can control, particularly the communication with others, and planning,” he concludes.

More like this

Wairoa flood review findings released

A review into the Wairoa flooding event on 26 June 2024 has found the flood was caused by a combination of factors leading to the river backing up and overflowing.

RST chair to step down

National Rural Support Trust chair Neil Bateup is stepping down next month, after seven years in the role.

Featured

ANZCO Foods' net profit plunges

Meat processor ANZCO Foods’ net profit has plunged on the back of lower market returns which squeezed margins and impacted business performance.

Editorial: Forest for the trees?

OPINION: Most people will be aware of the Government's plans to boost coal, oil and gas production to meet energy requirements.

Protest planned outside dairy awards venue

As the dairy industry prepares to celebrate its top achievers at an awards night this Saturday, attendees are being warned to be aware of protests planned outside the venue – Baypark Arena, Mount Mauganaui.

National

Machinery & Products

Iconic TPW Woolpress turns 50!

The company behind the iconic TPW Woolpress, which fundamentally changed the way wool is baled in Australia and New Zealand,…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Keep it up

OPINION: The good fight against "banking wokery" continues with a draft bill to scrap the red tape forcing banks and…

We're OK!

OPINION: Despite the volatility created by the shoot-from-the-hip trade tariff 'stratefy' being deployed by the new state tenants in the…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter