High-country farmers from South Canterbury to Southland faced the start of lambing as the poor conditions, forecast to continue, set in.
Rob Hewett, who farms near Lawrence in south Otago, said the farm is midway through lambing and had some losses.
“We’ve had deaths but it’s not that bad, no more than expected in these conditions.”
Hewett, co-chair of Silver Fern Farms Ltd, said a poor autumn through south Otago means there were lower scanning rates and a slightly lower number of lambs being born.
Ewes have been improving in condition from excellent weather in late August and September and will handle the conditions well. New-born lambs are at risk but those getting through the first 24 hours, with a good feed, should survive.
North Otago Federated Farmers president Simon Williamson is just a few days from lambing starting on his Twizel farm where conditions were savage, cold and wet and the wind will be a killer for new-born lambs if it continues.
The adult sheep will be fine.
At Omakau in Central Otago high-country farmer Andrew Paterson was due to start lambing at the weekend.
“We put it back till now to try and be sure of better conditions but there’s been a cold spring and now this and a bit of snow so it’s not ideal.
“It’s always tough for new lambs and even the hardiest get knocked around.”
