Despite a little rain last weekend, Waikato and South Auckland farmers are being encouraged to put their hands up
promptly if they need advice due to the ongoing very dry conditions in the region.
Soil moisture levels are currently low, which means the ability of pasture to grow is reduced, although there is plenty
of supplementary feed about for stock at present following a good spring and farmers generally are reported to be
coping.
As a result of the dry conditions, river and stream levels around the region are getting low, so water users are also
reminded by Waikato Regional Council to keep an eye on flow gauges. Flows are published on the council website and will
enable users to reduce takes, as required by some consents when rivers reach certain low flow thresholds, to help look
after the region’s waterways.
The Waikato Primary Industry Adverse Event core group convened on Monday to collectively review conditions and how
farmers were coping.
The core group includes representatives of Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management, the Ministry for Primary
Industries, Rural Support Trust, Federated Farmers, DairyNZ, Rural Women New Zealand, Beef + Lamb and Horticulture NZ
monitoring how the dry conditions are impacting on farmers.
Federated Farmers Waikato president and group spokesperson, Andrew McGiven, said the ongoing dry conditions were going
to make for a long and lean winter for some farmers.
“Budgets are going to be stretched as cash flows dwindle and the next real cheque may not roll in until September. So
let’s be proactive.
“Keep the communication flowing with your bank manager, the accountant, the farm advisor and get some strategies to
address the problems. The same applies to government departments like IRD and ACC.”
Mr McGiven said that with no substantial rain forecast for the near future, the group wanted to “give our communities
confidence that we have this on our radar and are looking out for them”. Later this month, the group will meet again
with its partner agencies to consider the outlook for April and whether any other collective response to ongoing dry
weather is required.
“The cluster agreed Waikato farmers know what they are doing – they’re pragmatic and philosophical about the season, and
due to a good spring they have feed and silage on hand,” he said.
Officials reported farmers were managing the situation, but encouraged people not coping to seek advice.
“It is hard work feeding out every day. Make sure you take some time off the farm and don’t hold back from using the
many avenues where farmers can go to support good farm decisions and their wellness,” Mr McGiven said.
“Both DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb NZ also have some excellent resources available that provide advice on how to manage
through dry conditions.”