Drought declared at an end

South Canterbury is officially no longer in drought.

With soil moisture conditions improving, the Ministry for Primary Industries chose not to extend the region’s drought classification at the end of December.

The decision marked the end of nearly two years of tough conditions for farmers.

National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) principal scientist Chris Brandolino said soil moisture in the region had ‘‘really recovered’’.

‘‘Things have improved,’’ he said. ‘‘You’re in better shape than a year ago.’’

A medium-scale adverse event was announced for regions including Canterbury, Marlborough and parts of Otago in February 2015.

A medium-scale adverse event meant additional recovery measures could be made available to farmers and growers in the area.

Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy again extended the drought classification for the east coast of the South Island in June 2016, which was to last until the end of December.

A Ministry of Primary Industries spokeswoman confirmed the drought classification was not extended further.

‘‘South Canterbury is not considered in drought now as soil moisture levels have improved.’’

Federated Farmers South Canterbury president Mark Adams said the end of drought conditions was good news for farmers.

‘‘The drought ended with a full stop, really.

‘‘In spring we were on a bit of a knife edge until early November, it had been an average season until that point and then we got some substantial rain.’’

The quality of stock feed, and ensuring they had two years worth of feed stockpiled, was now the biggest issue for farmers, he said.

‘‘We need to put some resilience back into the system.’’

The news came as Niwa released its annual climate summary for 2016, revealing a mixed bag for South Canterbury during what was officially the hottest year on record.

Tekapo was one of the sunniest places in New Zealand last year, while Timaru had one of its wettest days in more than 130 years. Warm nor-west winds may have helped Tekapo tie with Nelson for the 6th most sunshine hours in the country.