17 March 2014
Cyclone Lusi: all blustery and no rain substance
Farmers in need of autumnal rain are disappointed that Cyclone Lusi has failed to deliver the rain goods. Despite being
in a de facto state of drought there are no plans to call for an adverse events declaration.
“Farmers are between the devil and the deep blue sea because even if a declaration is sought, it is more psychological
solace than practical,” says Katie Milne, Federated Farmers Adverse Events spokesperson.
“Farmers know that in a drought there’s nowt you can do until it rains but if the pressure is becoming too much there
are organisations they can talk to and I’ve listed them below.
“The fact is Northland’s West Coast missed out again.
“Having spoken to our provincial president, Roger Ludbrook, Pouto Point remains in serious strife as it got 30ml at
most. On the sand at Te Kopuru, west of Dargaville, they only got between 7-14mls.
“In Auckland our Provincial President, Wendy Clark, reported between 10 and 35mls so it was no drought breaker.
“In Hauraki Coromandel those on the Hauraki Plains saw only about 15mls, but farms closer to ranges got a decent
soaking. Our Provincial President, Kevin Robinson, said the Coromandel ranges received up to 200mls and as much as
130mls from Thames to Te Aroha
“Meanwhile Lusi was a blink and miss it experience in Waikato. James Houghton, our provincial president there, told me
Lusi dished up a mere 10mls at Pukeatua.
“The options for farmers now are the usual tactic of destocking or if you are milking, to contemplate drying off cows
early. Above all keep your bank up to speed with your plans and prioritise the welfare of livestock, your family and
yourself.
“Clearly there are some farm management things we can look at such as pasture choices, I know, our provincial presidents
are onto. Then there are things like water storage Federated Farmers is hot on because every day without rain is an
opportunity cost for New Zealand.
“I need to remind farmers that they do not need an adverse events declaration before approaching Inland Revenue over
things like income equalisation relief. It doesn’t excuse you but the Revenue can show flexibility on a case-by-case
basis.
“In the meantime we can only hope there’s rain somewhere out there as that’s the real answer to our immediate need,” Mrs
Milne concluded.
If you need someone to talk to….
•Depression helpline 0800 111 757
•Samaritans 0800 726 666
•Lifeline 0800 543 354
•Rural Support Trusts 0800 787 254
ENDS