Farmers offered plenty of support
‘‘We’re all here to help’’, was the message sent to flood affected farmers at two short-notice public meetings last week.
The Rural Support Trust along with DairyNZ, Dairy Companies, Federated Farmers, FMG, Councils, the Ministry of Primary Industries and other support agencies organised the meetings which took place at Patetonga and Springdale halls.
Rural Support Trust Waikato chairman Neil Bateup chaired both meetings and said while it wasn’t an ideal situation, many hands make light work and support for each other was absolutely essential.
‘‘If anyone is worried or stressed please call the 0800 number and get in touch,’’ Bateup said.
‘‘We don’t have all the answers, but hopefully through the support agencies you will get the answers and advice you need.’’
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.
The timing of cyclones Debbie and Cook were not ideal, with calving coming up but Mother Nature doesn’t wait for anyone, McGiven said.
‘‘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 stock transportation and grazing for cows.
A grant of $1000 was also available from Rural Women New Zealand.
‘‘It may not seem like a lot, but ❚ Contact your local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP) with information on the impacts on your farm, or requests for personal help. ❚ Call Federated Farmers’ helpline on 0800 327 646, option 3 for feed offers or requests, or option 4 for other on-farm help, including stock movements. ❚ For stopbank or other floodscheme related matters call the Waikato Regional Council on 0800 800 401. ❚ For welfare concerns involving people, stock or property people should contact either Hauraki District Council on 0800 734 834 or Matamata-Piako District Council on 0800 746 467. in these situations every cents counts,’’ Bateup said.
The tail end of cyclones Debbie and Cook took their toll on many Waikato farms, especially in areas including Patetonga where some farmers have 80 per cent of their paddocks underwater.
Stock have had to be relocated and once the water has fully receded, paddocks will need to be resown. Representatives from each of the support agencies were on hand to offer advice and support for those who needed it and Fonterra put on a barbecue lunch.