Inside the Southland Dairy Farm Where Robots and Pasture Work Together
In Dacre, near Invercargill in New Zealand’s South Island, Bruce Dinnington is running a dairy operation unlike any other.
The Rural Co-ordination Group (RCG) met this week to assess conditions across the region and coordinate support for affected farming communities.
The group brings together Rural Support Trust Southland & Otago, the Ministry for Primary Industries, Environment Southland, Federated Farmers, Thriving Southland, Beef + Lamb New Zealand and DairyNZ.
Southland Rural Support Trust Chair Simon Hopcroft said the group's focus centers on four priorities: people, animals, feed and property.
"The sustained wet weather is taking a real toll across parts of Southland and South Otago. Every farm is different, but many farmers and their teams are dealing with added pressure, difficult decisions and long days," Hopcroft said.
"Our message is simple: you do not have to carry this alone. Talk with your neighbours, trusted advisers, veterinarian, bank, industry organisation or the Rural Support Trust. Reaching out early can help identify practical options and risks before the pressure builds further."
Practical Steps Farmers Can Take Now
The RCG has outlined a set of practical actions for farmers to consider in the current conditions:
- Review feed budgets and plan several weeks ahead for supplementary feed needs.
- Act early on feed purchases and delivery arrangements, particularly where transport or contractor availability may become tighter.
- Monitor stock condition and animal welfare closely, and seek advice promptly if concerns arise.
- Keep assessing pasture damage, access points and critical farm infrastructure.
- Check in regularly with staff, family and neighbours, and share the workload where possible.
- Ask for support early if the situation is becoming difficult to manage.
Feed Supply: Available, But Tightening
The RCG's current understanding is that supplementary feed remains available, although silage supply is very tight, and transport and logistics networks are under increasing pressure.
Farmers who anticipate needing additional feed are encouraged to plan early, rather than waiting until supplies or delivery options become more constrained.
The Toll Beyond the Farm
Hopcroft acknowledged that prolonged difficult conditions can affect farmers physically and mentally, not just their operations.
"Looking after yourself and your people is just as important as looking after the farm. Keep checking in with each other, and if things are feeling overwhelming, talk to someone you trust or contact the Rural Support Trust," he said.
Community Events and Coordinated Support
Stakeholder organisations are planning farmer support and wellbeing events across the region, giving farmers opportunities to access practical information, hear from rural professionals and connect with others facing similar conditions.
Organisations running these activities are being encouraged to register them on the Rural Support Trust Southland & Otago events calendar, so support can be coordinated and spread across communities rather than clustered.
The RCG is also keeping government Ministers and agencies informed, so decision-makers have an up-to-date picture of the challenges facing rural communities in Southland and South Otago.
A Community Response
Hopcroft pointed to the wider community response as a strength of the current situation.
"We are seeing neighbours helping neighbours, rural professionals stepping up and organisations working together to get support where it is needed," he said.
"Southland and Otago farmers are resilient, but resilience does not mean managing everything on your own. Support is available, and we encourage farmers to make use of it."
