Frustration over flooding

Flooded farmers are worried that the deluge of rain has left Manawatu and Rangitikei paddocks saturated before the start of winter.

‘‘The only good thing from the rainy conditions, were that they had warning that it was coming,’’ said Federated Farmers Manawatu/rangitikei president James Stewart.

‘‘Flooding is frustrating for everyone, and we’re asking farmers to keep an eye on others in the rural communities’’ he said. ‘‘The worst thing about this, is the ground is saturated and it is very early for this to happen. With late autumn and winter still to come, it is a real concern.’’

He said farmers would be hoping that slips could be avoided in hill country previously vulnerable to ground movement in past rain events.

Leading up to the heavy rain from ex-tropical cyclone Debbie, farmers had been hoping for a mild winter and spring.

‘‘The good thing now is there is plenty of grass around, and stock are in good condition.’’

Stewart said regional and local councils had thought the rain would be as big as the 2015 flood event, but this had since been scaled down, to the relief of farmers. He said calmer weather was forecast before the next rain and farmers could hopefully get out on farms, look after stock and survey any damage.

And farm consultant Gary Massicks, from Wairarapa based Baker Ag, said there was no damage on most farms.

But like Stewart, he was concerned about soil moisture levels being full with winter still to come.

‘‘What we need is some drying weather in the next few days.’’

And rain meant about half the beef calves which were to come to the weaner fair held at Feilding could not make it.

Farmers could not get stock off the hills because of the rain, and some stock trucks could not get through on damaged rural roads.

PGG Wrightson’s national genetics manager, and Manawatu stock agent, Callum Stewart said next Wednesday’s traditional heifer weaner sale would take all the bulls and steers which couldn’t get through this week.

He said the sale has closed off, with full numbers of around 2600 weaners likely.

PHOTO: FAITH SUTHERLAND/FAIRFAX NZ Federated Farmers meat & fibre chairman Richard Morrison, left, inspects his wet farm near Marton with James Stewart.