Rain affects fertiliser sales, farmers’ plans
Fertiliser sales were hit hard last month and cropping farmers are up to three weeks behind schedule after the heavy rainfall left paddocks in unfavourable conditions. Beef + Lamb New Zealand southern South Island director Leon Black said most farmers were in catch-up mode after having trouble getting their tractors on to wet paddocks last month.
Fertiliser sale figures reflected a ‘‘massive drop-off in October’’, he said.
Steve Belton, Ballance AgriNutrients lower South Island area sales manager, said last month’s figures were lower than usual and he hoped this month would make up for the loss.
‘‘A lot of trucks couldn’t get on paddocks, it was too wet.’’
Some farmers tried to apply fertilisers from helicopters, but strong winds posed a problem, he said.
The entire product range was affected, but he would not comment on the financial loss.
Mandeville farmer Dave Carter said his cropping programme was about three weeks behind schedule.
It was a problem getting on to the ground to sow the crops, he said.
‘‘It cuts your options back for quick turnaround for sowing ground in your paddock.’’
Otama crop farmer Mike Solari has about 200 hectares made up of wheat, barley, peas, grass and oilseed rape.
The wet conditions did not affect fertiliser applications because he deliberately sowed his barley after Labour Weekend, when the conditions were drier, he said.
‘‘We get our best yields
after Labour Weekend, once the ground is warm.’’
The October rains were good for Solari, who said it kept moisture in the subsoils, which would help during dry spells in summer.
‘‘I like to call it my green cathedral this time of year, because the good lord has provided for us.’’