Tranz Rail is helping Marlborough farmers by transporting baleage from the Central Plateau in the North Island to
Blenheim. Mr Chris Le Cren, Fire and Drought Coordinator for Federated Farmer's today welcomed Trans Rail's generous
offer. "The feed situation for stock on drought and fire affected Marlborough farms has been getting desperate. While
there was some grass growth after the rain of three weeks ago the recent very cold snap has stopped any more growth," he
said.
"There have been many offers of baleage from North Island farmers but the huge cost of transport has, until now, been an
overwhelming obstacle."
"Trans Rail has responded to our appeal for help and has offered to support farmers by railing the baleage for free."
"The support from farmers in the Kinleith area has also been tremendous. They have helped move the baylage from the
farms to the rail at Kinleith where it is to be loaded for transport to Blenheim.
"The quality of the baleage is excellent and will be much appreciated by farmers desperately looking for extra feed for
stock. The baleage is more than 6 weeks old and Ruakura specialists have advised there is little risk of spreading
clover root weevil."
This is a true win-win effort. Tranz Rail personnel have said that they are pleased to help as they have an ongoing
relationship with farmers in the area.
ENDS