Media Release
29 May 2013
Hawke’s Bay farmers face tough times ahead as a result of drought
The Hawke’s Bay Drought Committee says the region’s farmers face some tough times ahead as the aftermath of this year’s
drought continues to bite.
The Committee, which met on Monday, includes representatives from the region’s councils, Federated Farmers, Ministry for
Primary Industries, the East Coast Rural Support Trust, the agri-business sector including banks and the sheep and beef,
dairy and horticultural sector.
The sheep and beef and dairy sector said while grass is beginning to grow, after recent rain many farmers have had to
de-stock and buy in feed which will severely affect their financial bottom line. They say while farmland is looking
greener, some pastures are very patchy and farmers could be facing a tough spring with potentially less feed available
and stock coming out of the winter under feed stress. This will impact on lambing and calving with feed demand pressure
as a result. Dairy herds start calving in late July but generally farmers are reasonably prepared with supplements etc
on hand and feed growing well without cows on farm at the moment.
Mike Barham from Rural Support Trust East Coast agrees the real impact of the drought will be seen later this year. ‘Now
is the time farmers must ensure they have all their planning complete as we head into colder winter weather. The Trust
can help those still battling drought issues’.
On a positive note he’s been impressed by the strong support his organisation has received from the rural and financial
sector in Hawke’s Bay.
He says the Drought Committee which is chaired by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Chairman Fenton Wilson has provided a
valuable information sharing and support network.
“Everyone has pitched in to support our organisation and Hawke’s Bay farmers throughout this drought which has been
fantastic. It ranges from banks providing drought support packages, the regional council chairing the meetings and
providing climate and communications expertise, Farmlands doing the invoicing for the South Island feed we’re bringing
in or Federated Farmers offering support to farmers,” says Mike Barham.
When Life’s a Bitch…”
Federated Farmers along with farm industry training organisations AgITO and FarmSafe have launched a campaign to help
farmers struggling with the stress of the drought. Named “When life’s a bitch…” the campaign aims to get farmers and
their families talking about depression openly and honestly and offers contact details for those needing extra support.
ENDS