Lambs and calves enter muddy world
If newborn lambs had a feed not long after they could stand, they had energy to survive in wet conditions. Federated Farmers Manawatu/ Rangitikei president Richard Morrison.
Newborn lambs are entering a muddy world as rain fails to let up on Manawatu farms.
Lambs and calves are striking muddy paddocks after their birth with ground moisture levels close to the surface.
The worst conditions are across Manawatu and Horowhenua flats and hill country farmers hope the rain will lift before they are due to lamb in another two weeks.
Dairynz regional manager for the southern North Island, James Muwunganirwa said pastures had so far been slow to grow.
He said wet paddocks were slowing growth which was down on farmers’ expectations.
Many dairy farmers are at least half way through calving, and farmers managing lambing are sick of the rain.
They would like some sun and wind to dry the mud out.
Farmers and growers say it has rained on and off since September.
The weather forecast showed more rain was due this week which would take a toll on farm staff and owners, said Federated Farmers Manawatu/rangitikei president Richard Morrison.
He said lambs born in spring would hopefully face better conditions as ewes would have spring pasture growth to sustain them.
Morrison said it meant the young had to cope with changeable and less than ideal weather.
‘‘But if newborn lambs had a feed not long after they could stand, they had energy to survive in wet conditions.’’