Tuesday, 10 December 2019 16:12

Farmers encouraged to seek support

Written by  Staff Reporters
Photo: Fonterra on Twitter. Photo: Fonterra on Twitter.

Flood-affected farmers are being reminded to reach out for help if they need it. 

As the flood waters begin to recede, only now are the full effects of the damage able to be identified on the West Coast and around the Rangitata catchment.

DairyNZ South Island hub lead Tony Finch says the ferociousness of the recent rain took many farmers by surprise and, a few days on, some farms are still working with intermittent power and closed roads affecting milk collection. Approximately 22 farms are affected in the Rangitata and another 40 farms on the West Coast.

“As the flood waters begin to disappear, the full extent of the damage and the clean-up will be seen,” said Finch. 

“Some farmers will be thinking about milk that cannot be collected. Every situation is different, and we recommend farmers contact their supply company and local council for advice on the best way to manage uncollected milk. Also talk to your DairyNZ regional team for advice on farm system support.

“It’s worth taking the time to look ahead by creating a feed plan. Assess current feed resources and cow condition, and damage to infrastructure. Damaged, wet tracks can create issues with lameness, so contact your local Healthy Hoof provider, they are trained to help with this problem," said Finch.

“There is also the potential for more rain in the coming week, so we encourage farmers to plan for that by looking at how more rain could add pressure to their system – are the paddocks likely to reflood? Where should the cows be kept? What will you do if milk collection is still cut-off? Planning ahead can support good decision-making at the time.

“Farmers are a pretty resilient bunch and very solutions-focused. Even when they are isolated geographically, there are many people, organisations and information available to support – they are not alone.”

The impacted South Island farms are currently affected by damaged infrastructure, rivers cutting new paths through farmland and silt accumulation across hectares of land. This is compounded in some areas by bridges and roads out of action affecting milk collection. 

DairyNZ has flood management information on its website: www.dairynz.co.nz

More like this

Celebrating dairy farmers this International Women's Day

Siobhan O’Malley is a dairy farmer, innovator, businesswoman and community volunteer, an example of the thousands of Kiwi dairy farming women throughout New Zealand who multi-task every day to contribute positively to their communities.

Driving change within Fonterra fleet

Today is International Women’s Day, and this year Fonterra wants to shine a light on the women who defy stereotypes and prosper in traditionally male-dominated fields. Erin Wootten, a tanker operator out of the Fonterra Reparoa Site, is doing just that.

Unique dairy farms open their gates

A dairy farm working to increase endangered skink numbers and a boutique farm selling milk in recycled bottles will open their gates to the public this Sunday.

Featured

Govt urged to reduce ETS units

The Climate Change Commission wants the new Government to reduce NZ Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction volumes as son as possible.

Dairy sheep, goat woes mount

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Alliance's Pure South cuts win gold

Meat co-operative Alliance Group has bagged four gold medals at the Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards, achieving top honours for every cut entered.

Dairy demand on the rise

There is increasing evidence that dairy demand is on the upswing, according to Rabobank senior agricultural analyst Emma Higgins.

Fert use tumbles as prices spike

Fertiliser use in New Zealand over the 18 months is about 25% down from what it consistently was for the previous decade or more, says Ravensdown chief operating officer Mike Whitty.

National

Waikato dryer sold

An independent milk spray dryer in Hamilton, destined for liquidation, has been bought by a South Auckland goat milk processor.

Machinery & Products

Samasz sets its sights high

Since its arrival in New Zealand, Polish mower manufacturer Samasz, currently celebrating 40 years in business, has carved a niche…

Trojan keeps on going

The DR200 Trojan farm two-wheeler motorcycle was introduced over 28 years ago, when the engineering team at Suzuki New Zealand…

Still going strong!

The saying goes ‘if it ain’t broke -don’t fix it’, so it’s no surprise to see an old favourite in…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

'A complete dog

OPINION: It's not just a rural banking inquiry that farmers want. Freshwater farm plans are another major headache for farmers.

Action, not words

OPINION: The new Government may be farmer friendly, but it's not love, rather action that farmers want.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter