Help available for farmers

Public meetings were held last week for flood affected farmers.

The Rural Support Trust along with DairyNZ, dairy companies, Federated Farmers, and other support agencies organised the meetings at Patetonga and Springdale halls, chaired by Rural Support Trust Waikato chairman Neil Bateup.

‘‘We don’t have all the answers, hopefully through the support agencies you will get the answers and advice you need,’’ said Bateup.

Waikato Federated Farmers vice president Andrew McGiven said when the going gets tough, the rural community get going.

Support with stock transportation and feed from Waikato Federated Farmers has already been sent to other flood impacted areas including Edgecumbe and Whakatane and farms affected by the Kaikoura Earthquakes.

‘‘Don’t feel like you have to farm on your own in isolation,’’ McGiven said.

‘‘We will help in any way we can and point you in the right direction. We are in this together.

‘‘Depression is an illness not a weakness. Please keep an eye on your neighbours and one another.’’

Federated Farmers’ members and area chairmen have been frantically organising grazing for cows.

A grant of $1000 was also available from Rural Women New Zealand.