Editorial: Support, don't stifle farmers
OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.
Widespread flooding across the Canterbury, West Coast, Tasman and Marlborough areas this winter has damaged pasture and caused losses of supplementary feed.
Since June, MPI has boosted feed support services and allocated more than $4.7 million for recovery grants, technical advice and wellbeing support.
"Several of these regions had been battling long-term drought prior to the floods which have put further pressure on feed supplies heading into calving and lambing," said MPI's director of Rural Communities and Farming Support, Nick Story.
MPI funds Beef+Lamb New Zealand, Federated Farmers, and other specialist providers to offer free, one-on-one feed planning support to livestock owners.
Farmers are encouraged to get flood-deposited silt covering paddocks tested, so the correct fertiliser can be applied.
To get help from the Feed Planning Service, or to list or source feed or grazing through the Feed Coordination Service, farmers are encouraged to call 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646). Farmers who need wellbeing support should contact their Rural Support Trust on 0800 RURAL HELP (0800 787 254).
