“We’re absolutely determined to continue with the one-on-one support and advice to farmers. That will not be interrupted but we’re putting some protocols in place to keep everyone safe.”
Farmers need to keep talking to one another, stay in touch with neighbours and get together in smaller groups while new ways to get messages out to farmers are considered by service groups.
In Northland the dry is becoming a big issue and Coromandel is not far behind. The concern is feed usually earmarked for winter will be used by then.
Bateup says it’s important that farmers keep planning ahead, keep looking at their feed supplies and to use all the tools they can to manage what’s happening on their own farms.
Rural Support Trust Hawke’s Bay co-ordinator Lon Anderson says the medium to long-term weather forecast is not looking great for farmers already under pressure.
While many farmers in traditionally summer dry parts of the region are used to farming in dry conditions those under the ranges west of State Highway 50, who are usually exempt, are running out of water and cutting into their supply of winter feed.
“For some, particularly around Central Hawke’s Bay, there’s no water and very few options.”
Rural Support Trust Tararua co-ordinator Jane Tylee would usually receive about five calls a week from farmers needing some advice. Now it’s about five or six a day.
Calls are about access to feed, stock water and financial help.
