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September-November 2016 temperatures have a 50% chance of being above average in the north of the South Island and very likely (60-70% chance) to be above average in the remaining regions of the country, says NIWA.
"Nevertheless, as we transition into spring, frosts and cold snaps will occur from time to time, particularly in the first half of the season. Sea surface temperatures are forecast to remain above normal over the next three months, especially to the north of New Zealand," NIWA says in its outlook summary for the next three months.
"September-November 2016 rainfall totals are about equally likely to be in the near normal range (40% chance) or above normal range (35-40% chance) in the north and east of the North Island.
"Seasonal rainfall is most likely (45% chance) to be in the near normal range in the west of the North Island and the north of the South Island. In the east and west of the South Island, rainfall for the September-November 2016 period is about equally likely to be near normal (40% chance) or below normal (35% chance).
"September-November 2016 soil moisture levels and river flows are most likely to be in the near normal (40% chance) or above normal (35% chance) range for the east of the North Island, while below normal (45-50% chance) soil moisture levels and river flows are most likely for the east of the South Island.
"For the north of the South Island, near normal (40-45% chance) soil moisture levels and river flows are most likely while near normal (40% chance) or below normal (40% chance) soil moisture levels and river flows are equally likely in the west of the South Island. In the north and west of the North Island near normal (45% chance) soil moisture levels are most likely while river flows are expected to be in the normal (40% chance) or above normal (35-40%) range."
With forecasters advising El Niño conditions will develop through winter and strengthen into spring and summer, Ballance Agri-Nutrients is encouraging farmers and growers to think ahead about nutrient planning and be prepared to work around challenging weather conditions.
Recent weather events in the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne/Tairawhiti, and Canterbury have been declared a medium-scale adverse event.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
With adverse weather set to rain down on the Top of the South, the Bay of Plenty and parts of Northland, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says farmers, foresters, and growers need to prepare for possible challenges.
Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson says the present weather conditions remain challenging for farmers.
DairyNZ deputy chair Cameron Henderson has been re-appointed unopposed for another term.
Farms across the upper North Island are trialling different pasture mixes as part of a research programme that aims to build greater resilience into farming systems.
Election years are always a concerning time for farmers, according to DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown.
The Ballance Farm Environment Awards are coming to the West Coast of the South Island.
Most dairy regions around the country have had a pretty good season so far says Tracy Brown.
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