Omicron in the farming community: what this means for those on the land
Advice and online help to guide us in this tricky time
Rural Support Tararua has the following advice to prepare for Omicron in the farming community: There are three phases to the Government response to Omicron. Each phase has a different isolation and Quarantine periods. Check out this link to learn more about what each phase requirements would be — https://www. health.govt.nz/system/files/ documents/pages/omicron-inthe-community-whatthismeans-for-you-26jan2022. pdf
So, what do we need to do on-farm to be as prepared as we can?
Complete Federated Farmers checklist
This is very useful to get you thinking about the things you need to plan for. Visit this webpage: https://www. fedfarm.org.nz/FFPublic/Policy2/National/2021/Preparing_ for_COVID-19_onfarm_ checklist_for_farmers.aspx
■ Make sure you plan for supplies and animal health products that you may need for the next six months’ work on-farm.
What should you do if you are Covid-positive or having to isolate due to a close contact? Who are the people you need to talk to make sure your health, health of your team and animal welfare is well taken care of?
■ Selling stock — Before yarding any sheep or cattle, we recommend speaking to your processors and transporters as they will have rules and
requirements around loading and transporting animals.
■ Milk suppliers — Fonterra — After you have had confirmation of a positive covid-19 case from a public health official, please notify the Fonterra Service Centre immediately on 0800 65 65 68.
Planning for supply chain disruptions
Sheep and beef — Build a plan as processing space is already tight. This will include speaking to your livestock agent and thinking about what extra levers can be pulled to protect capital stock. There is some really good advice on Beef&Lamb website — https:/ /beeflambnz.com/newsviews/planning-covid19-supply-chain-disruptions
DairyNZ have a good example of a business continuity plan at https://www.dairynz. co.nz/media/5794866/ dairynz-farm-businesscontinuity-plan-large-farmexample.pdf
Medical provisions to have on hand
■ Painkillers to bring down a fever, such as paracetamol
■ Ibroprofen or Nurofen to alternate with paracetamol
■ Sore-throat lozenges
■ Rehydration tablets or electrolyte drinks
■ Thermometer
Making sure we look after ourselves
Rural Support Trust Tararua
are local rural people with a wide range of experience and knowledge in dealing with challenging rural situations. We provide a free and confidential service and are trained to help find ways to help farmers get through challenging times.
If you have received notification from Public Health that you are Covid-19 positive or you have to isolate, you may get asked if you have welfare needs. This is when you can opt to elect the Rural Support Trust to assist you. Equally, you can contact us directly on the number below, at any stage for support in managing selfisolation challenges on-farm.
Connect with others in your district to set up support channels and communication trees through the likes of group emails, messenger groups for your road or area to be ready to support each other if you are sick or have to isolate.
There are also lots of online wellbeing resources — this is a good one from Mental Health Foundation giving practical tips, stories, and resources focused on things we can all do to maintain our mental wellbeing and look after our wha¯nau during the Covid-19 pandemic — https:/ /mentalhealth.org.nz/gettingthrough-togetherhttps:/ /mentalhealth.org.nz/ gettingthrough-together