Period of review for those with flooded properties

After what has been the wettest autumn I have ever experienced, there are now, as has been reported, a number of farms that have been severely affected by flooding.

There are also a number of maize crops that may not be harvested due to the inability of contractors to access some of the paddocks and the subsequent declining feed value of the maize.

This will obviously mean that there will be less supplementary feed available on farm for the winter period.

Better than average grass growth in some areas will help minimise the impact of this but for the farms that have been damaged it will be very important to accurately assess what resources that will be needed to ensure that next season is not compromised.

Once flood waters have receded then it will be important to look at both the physical dam- age to fences, races and other infrastructure.

Then it will be time to look at the pastures and looking at re planting some (or all) of this area before the onset of winter.

These areas will need to be treated as ineffective until spring which will impact on feed budgeting.

There will also be decisions made on what areas receive permanent pasture and what areas receive annual or Italian type ryegrass.

So importantly a feed budget needs to be done and this will show what supplements (if any) need to be purchased or whether culling or winter grazing may be more appropriate. Every case will be different. Obviously this is a stressful time for farmers and their families and I would like to reinforce the point that there is help available for any affected people and this is where the rural support trust will play a big part with coordination of help ranging from farm advisory to arranging for supplement and grazing.

Do not think that you are alone.

The rural support phone number is 0800 787 254. Use it.

-James Thomas (pictured), FarmWise Consultant.