Fonterra’s new regional head for Canterbury, Charles Fergusson, said 19 tankers went north along the road from 9am today, began picking up their first loads from the 22 Kaikoura supply farms by 11am and returned in the afternoon to their Darfield base.
Only tanker trucks without trailers were allowed to use the road and access would remain subject to further shakes and weather problems, Fergusson said.
Fonterra sent five of its own trucks and 14 owned by contractors though only Fonterra trucks were allowed to go onfarm. Milk was transferred from the Fonterra trucks to the contractors’ one for transport to Darfield.
Fonterra would pay for all the milk that was not picked up but instead diluted and irrigated on to pastures, with a standard volume estimate based on the seasonal production pattern, he said.
The Kaikoura farmers had shown considerable fortitude in coping with tough circumstances.
They had been told to keep their Sunday milk for the Monday pick-up and they would be kept fully informed of transport arrangements for the future should the collection schedule need adjustment.
