Big dry edges closer for farms
Drought is looming in some regions as farmers push stock early into processors in order to head off the worst effects of the hot weather.
In the parched Manawatu district of Tokomaru/linton, dairy farmers are feeding supplements to cows to keep them milking. ‘‘Everyone is desperate for rain. This is only the start of summer and we are seeing it so dry. If it was at the end of summer in three months’ time, we’d expect it,’’ Linton dairy farmer Brian Underwood said.
Vegetable supply depended on the region, said Vegetables New Zealand chief executive John Seymour, and whether the growers had irrigation.
Minister of Agriculture Damien O’connor has asked officials to keep a close watch on how farmers and growers are managing in dry conditions, as the hot start to summer affects soil moisture levels across the country.
‘‘Farmers and growers in many of our regions are experiencing lower than normal soil moisture levels for this time of year and are planning ahead to manage stock, feed, and water if they don’t get some decent rainfall over the next few weeks,’’ he said.
National MP and Horowhenua dairy farmer Nathan Guy said his district had gone from a bog during winter and spring to ‘‘drought-like’’ conditions now.
‘‘Hay sheds are empty, and baleage has been reduced. While paddocks look like they have reasonable growth, when you mow it the quality isn’t there because of the damage caused by the winter’s bad weather.’’ Industry groups Dairynz, Beef + Lamb and Federated Farmers said they were not pushing the panic button yet, but were urging farmers to prepare a plan to reduce the impact. ‘‘There are patchy reports from areas which are incredibly dry but not far away as the crow flies they’re saying they’re OK and getting the odd shower of rain,’’ Beef + Lamb NZ innovation manager Richard Wakelin said. ‘‘There are the hardy annuals of the east coast of the North Island and down into Marlborough, Canterbury and Otago, which are the normal hot spots but then it’s also dry in Manawatu, Marton and into the hills – and that’s unusual for this time of the year.’’
Alliance general manager livestock and shareholder services, Heather Stacy, said the processor was hitting peak operations now, when normally it would be late January-early February.