Farmers urged to check equipment

Farmers need to check wells, grain silos and structures for damage now so they can submit claims as soon as possible, the Rural Recovery Group co-ordinator Allan Baird says.

The Rural Recovery Group consists of representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), Fonterra, DairyNZ, Beef+Lamb, Federated Farmers, Irrigation New Zealand, the Insurance Council, North Canterbury Rural Support Trust, banks, Selwyn District Council and several other rural sector organisations set up to coordinate the rural recovery as part of the Civil Defence response to the September 4 Canterbury Earthquake.

At a meeting at the Selwyn District Council in Rolleston yesterday, the group received feedback that some farmers were downplaying damage, particularly as their counterparts in Southland were struggling hugely after last week’s snow storms.

“We’ve heard that some people with little cracks or dents in grain silos or homes and the like are not bothering to report it to their insurers or the EQC. And some people are not understanding that they need to report damage to their homes or buildings to their local councils as well as the EQC.

“If people are confused, they can ring their local council offices or 0800 Earthquake for help. But the main thing for farmers is to check wells and grain silos now. There are procedures for this – we have good information on the Rural Recovery Group pages on the Selwyn District Council website, or contact Irrigation New Zealand (wells) or Federated Farmers (silos),” Mr Baird says.

It would be difficult to understand the effects of liquefaction in areas like Tai Tapu and Greenpark until the ground dried out a little more and could be tested.

“No-one’s got all the answers yet and that makes it difficult for people. So far, there are few rural issues surfacing, but we know that people will start to notice the effects of extra work and costs over the next few weeks. That’s why we’re here, to try and find ways of helping with those issues and co-ordinating responses.”

The Rural Recovery Group had answered a few calls about sand deposits in paddocks and was sourcing information from contractors about the best methods of dealing with the problem.

Farmers or lifestylers who need assistance or advice are able to call the Rural Recovery Group through the Selwyn District Council – 03 347 2800, or visit the RRG page on the Selwyn District Council website.

ENDS

© Scoop Media