Vege producers have had to adapt to new rules during the busy harvest and processing period. Some stock agents have banded together to work out guidelines for an early but limited resumption of sales. Hawke’s Bay farmers who have been hard hit by drought are receiving special assistance from a support group set up to help them. In every crisis there’s a silver lining, as Fonterra tanker drivers have discovered, because there are no traffic jams to contend with. Have a good weekend.
Confidence ebbs in the wake of covid-19
The rural sector is a lot less upbeat about prospects than six months ago, according to Rabobank’s latest confidence survey. The number of farmers who expect conditions to worsen has risen from 33% to 56%, with the sheep and beef sector the most pessimistic. Horticulturalists remain the most positive.
Fonterra’s business largely uninterrupted
While some ports in overseas markets are clearing products slower than normal, Fonterra says milk collection and processing are continuing in a routine fashion. Farmers have adapted well to ordering products they need from Farm Source by either phoning in or using an online channel.
The harvest must come in
Talleys and other vege processors are essential businesses but the way they operate has had to change, providing logistical challenges. Some products such as corn require only a harvester driver and a truck driver but more are at risk if they are working with potatoes, for instance.
Early restart of sale yards and farm auctions
A group of stock agents wants to ensure sale yards and auctions can get up and running as soon as possible after restrictions are lifted. They have pinpointed weaner and dairy herd dispersal sales as priorities because with winter looming farmers will find it hard to dispose of surplus stock.
Advisory group helps drought-stricken farmers
The Hawke’s Bay Rural Advisory Group is helping farmers push through the lockdown. Most are concerned about feed and water shortages, soil and moisture deficits, TB movement control and delays in getting animals to the works.
Tanker drivers look on bright side
Milk tanker drivers report one upside of the lockdown – not having to worry about traffic jams and roadworks. Over-70 and immune-compromised drivers have had to stand down and farmers are doing their bit to keep the drivers safe.
