More regions to face drought declarations
Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson says the present weather conditions remain challenging for farmers.
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.
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.
Buoyed by strong forecasts for milk prices and a renewed demand for dairy assets, the South Island rural real estate market has begun the year with positive momentum, according to Colliers.
The six young cattle breeders participating in the inaugural Holstein Friesian NZ young breeder development programme have completed their first event of the year.
New Zealand feed producers are being encouraged to boost staff training to maintain efficiency and product quality.
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