Displaying items by tag: Drought

The recent rain in Hawke's Bay has provided some breathing space for those dealing with the drought, but the real test has still to come during the winter and early spring.

The Government is investing a further $37.5 million into water security for Northland.

The Government is investing a further $37.5 million into water security for Northland.

In the past few weeks, rain has fallen in many parts of the country with grass starting to grow again.

In a normal season, maize stubble wouldn’t be required as a feed on dairy farms.

Northland farmers are starting to count the cost of one of the most severe droughts to hit the region as the cost of feed and lower prices for stock are the order of the day.

While Hawkes Bay and other parts of the country are suffering drought, Southland is facing different problems.

Animal health and welfare issues are likely to emerge soon as Hawkes Bay farmers try to cope with the effects of what is believed to be the worst drought in the history of the region.

Hawke's Bay vet Richard Hilson says the effects of the lockdown with COVID-19 tended to isolate farmers more than people might have imagined.

Central Hawkes Bay sheep and beef farmer Craig Preston has spent a huge sum of money buying feed for his stock rather than sending them off to the works – but says it’s worth the money.