Southland Rural Support Trust co-ordinator Lindsay Wright said pasture response and aquifer recharge have been slower than expected and though the rain has jolted winter crops to start growing again, more is needed.
Farmers should assess whether they have enough feed for winter and if not they need to source extra supplies sooner rather than later.
Little rain fell during the normal growth months of December and January, forcing farmers to feed grass normally harvested for silage or balage.
But there is still time to accumulate feed for winter and Wright urged farmers to seek advice and assess their individual needs and options without delay.
“It’s managing the recovery rather than responding to the drought.
“There is time and things will grow.”
The long-range weather forecast for the south was promising, with warm temperatures and normal rainfall, which should benefit growth but farmers need to act soon in case autumn arrives early and it suddenly turns cool, slowing grass growth.
“We really want guys to work with their advisers and agents.
“If they come up with a plan where they are short of feed then they can take action.”
That was pertinent because some of the traditionally driest areas had reliable summer rainfall.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand and DairyNZ are holding technology transfer in Otago and Southland to help with planning.
Morgan Green of Northern Southland Vets warned the risk of internal parasites and polio in stock would be heightened by a flush of grass. Polio in stock is a nutritional disorder and is not the polio that affects humans.
“Grazing new pastures with lots of weeds, especially fathen and yarr or shearing sheep that may already be stressed can cause metabolic issues.”
Inland Revenue representative Janice McIntyre urged farmers struggling to make tax payments to speak to their accountants and to take advantage of facilities introduced because of the drought.
