BBQs for Northland farmers
The opportunity to enjoy a barbecue dinner and social time with family and other farmers in the district may be just what the doctor ordered for drought stricken Northlanders.
Northland Rural Support Trust secretary Julie Jonker says 10 ‘drought’ barbecues are planned for the Northland region.
‘‘Everything is provided, all people have to do is come along. People can chat with others in similar situations, ask advice from any of the attending advisors or just enjoy a social gathering - it’s up to them,’’ she says.
‘‘Physically and mentally dealing with a drought can be exhausting so getting off the farm for even a short time can give people a much needed break.’’
Jonker says without good rainfall in the next few weeks autumn calving farmers will be hit hard by the lack of pasture for herds coming into production.
She says only a few people have approached the trust since a drought was declared on February 3 but she is expecting more calls to come.
Jonker says the trust in conjunction with Federated Farmers is currently setting up a feed register to allow farmers to go online and find out where they can obtain supplement feed, the cost and transport options.
BBQ dates include: Kaeo Feb 20, Okaihau and Waipu Feb 21, and Te Kopuru on February 28.