University of Waikato research reveals 2050 drought threats
New research could help farmers prepare for a future where summer rainfall is increasingly unpredictable and where drought risk is rising, no matter what.
There’s more state support available for North Canterbury farmers impacted by the ongoing drought.
The Government is providing $20,000, with the Farmers Adverse Events Trust, Veterinary Association and Boehringer Ingelheim contributing an additional $18,000, to deliver specialist veterinary support to drought-affected farmers in the Hurunui District.
A further $30,000 contribution will go to the Hurunui Mayoral Fund to ensure targeted assistance is available to those farmers identified the most critical in need. The latest support measures come on top of funding provided to the region earlier this year.
This was announced by Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson during a visit to the area today.
A lack of rain has left farms short of feed, with pasture and crops failing to grow.
“Prolonged dry weather and challenging financial conditions have made circumstances extremely tough for farmers in the Hurunui District,” Patterson says.
Many farmers have been using good management practices, such as reducing livestock numbers, to get through the drought. As lambing and calving gets underway, extra one-off support is needed.
“In March, extremely dry weather conditions were classified a medium-scale adverse event across multiple regions. That classification unlocked around $170,000 in extra funding for Rural Support Trusts to provide early on-the-ground support for affected farmers,” Patterson says.
“Tax relief is available through the Income Equalisation Scheme, which is designed to help with on farm cashflow.”
“The Ministry for Primary Industries’, On Farm Support service will continue to work closely with farmers and growers to determine where support is required.”
Patterson encouraged farmers across the district who need support, to contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.
Following recent storms in the region, the 69th edition of the Tour of Southland cycling event has been postponed.
A function at Parliament on 7th October brought together central government decision-makers, MPs, industry stakeholders and commercial partners to highlight the need for strategic investment in the future of Fieldays and its home, the Mystery Creek Events Centre campus.
The Government's revised 2050 biogenic methane target range of 14-24% by 2050 is being welcomed by dairy farmers.
An increasing number of students are doing agricultural and horticultural degrees at Massey University by distance learning.
ANZ New Zealand is encouraging farmers and businesses impacted by the recent extreme weather that hit Southland and South Otago last week to seek support if they need it.
When Professor Pierre Venter takes up his new role as vice chancellor at Massey University next February it will just be a matter of taking a few steps across the road to get to his new office at the Palmerston North Campus.

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