Primary sector on alert as red rain warnings issued across multiple regions
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
Fonterra says many farms are inaccessible and milk collection impacted by flooding in Southland and Otago.
Two Farm Source shops are also closed as a result of flooding risk.
Fonterra’s regional head Southland/Otago, Mark Robinson told Rural News that the co-op was working with farmers in impacted areas and connecting with Civil Defence and local authorities.
“Our focus is on making sure our farmers and employees affected by the flooding are safe,” he says.
“We will be supporting Civil Defence in their efforts to support the local communities.”
Robinson says milk collection has been disrupted with a number of road closures and flooded access ways.
“Many farms are flooded – so obviously a stressful time for farmers. We will be doing everything we can to support them.”
One of New Zealand’s longest-running pasture growth monitoring projects will continue, even as its long-time champion steps away after more than five decades of involvement.
The Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsmen Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is advising consumers to prepare for delays as insurers respond to a high volume of claims following this week's severe weather.
Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.
Animal welfare is of paramount importance to New Zealand's dairy industry, with consumers increasingly interested in how food is produced, not just the quality of the final product.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.
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