Editorial: Testing times
OPINION: Our hearts go out to the farmers and rural communities in Southland and Otago who are battling an onslaught of adverse weather.
This time last year, the region was inundated with flooding triggered by Cyclone Gabrielle. In the weeks leading up to the event, many residents and businesses in the area were busy cleaning up their properties.
Northland Field Days Inc president John Phillips says last year's event was a challenge. It was the first one in three years, thanks to Covid lockdowns.
The flood forced some exhibitors to pull out and impacted turnout.
"The main reason people didn't turn up was because they were busy cleaning up after the floods," Phillips told Rural News.
"We even had some residents who lost their houses and businesses that were flooded out."
While last year's rain boosted grass growth, dry weather this year has left many farmers facing feed shortage and buying extra feed like palm kernel expeller.
Dry weather also impacts water supply and organisers have had to cart in water by trucks for the three-day event. However, Phillips says there aren't any water restrictions in place yet.
"We are keeping our fingers crossed," he adds.
Northland is renowned for its dry and hot summers.
Phillips, a dairy farmer milking 400 cows, says bores and water on his farm are drying up.
"While we had too much rain last year, grass growth was good; this year grass growth is weak which is normal for the region."
For dairy farmers, the forecast milk price is rising but still lags the $8.22/kgMS plus 50c dividend/share paid by Fonterra last season.
Phillips says the drop in the payout is costing farmers, as most of them have overdrafts and are paying higher interest.
"If Fonterra gave us a true price and keep it there, that would be great," he says.
"If you talk to the businesses here, it's quite tough as farmers are not spending."
Despite the downturn, Phillips is hoping for a successful show.
"All we can do is put on a great show and try and get people through the gates.
"We are grateful to our sponsors - Ravensdown, Gallagher and Hansens and all the exhibitors.
"We won't be in business if we don't have support of exhibitors and the patrons."
