increase font size
FEDERATED FARMERS is encouraging farmers to help each other as cropping farmers in Canterbury and North Otago seek respite from a prolonged wet spell which is threatening specialist crops and cereals ahead of harvesting.
"Already sodden fields have been shown no mercy from a succession of passing cyclonic fronts," says mid-Canterbury president, Chris Allen.
"This will have the same impact on cropping farmers as one metre of snow during lambing would have on sheep farmers, it's very serious.
"Now into autumn with shorter days and less heat, there will be limited opportunities for farmers to recover their crops. Due to the wet ground conditions, crops aren't suitable for harvest and when they are, there will be a big demand on resources.
"Late season small seed crops like carrots and radish have been particularly affected with significant areas still waiting for a break in the weather. Seed crops are a big part of the industry with export growth of 14% in 2013. New Zealand growers now provide more than 50% of the world's supply of carrot, radish and beet seeds annually.
"Many cropping farmers work individually, and are generally self-reliant. Federated Farmers advises all farmers with cropping expertise and resources to act as good neighbours by offering support or services directly to help those who are struggling against the elements.
"I encourage all farmers in Canterbury and North Otago to offer assistance and not to sit back and wait to be asked. Time is of the essence to limit the impact of production losses.
"This includes picking up the phone or making yourself known to a neighbour to offer spare harvesting or drying equipment, or just some advice. It could make all the difference to morale and help those farmers get through a stressful time.
"We can't change the weather but we are keeping a watchful eye on the situation," says Allen.
Federated Farmers is celebrating following the Government's announcement that young farmers will be able to use their KiwiSaver funds to buy their first home or farm.
OPINION: The euphoria over the Government’s two new bills to replace the broken Resource Management Act is over.
Canterbury arable farmers are down by tens of millions of dollars after a rollercoaster of wild changeable January weather saw harvests delayed and some crops destroyed by violent hailstorms.
OPINION: The past few weeks have been tough on farms across the North Island: floods and storms have caused damage and disruption to families and businesses.
Sheep and beef farmers in Hawke's Bay are being urged to keep a close eye on the wells that supply water to their stock.
Donald Trump's latest tariff tantrum has again thrown the world of trade into a new round of turmoil and uncertainty, and NZ is caught up in it.
The third edition of the NZ Dairy Expo, held in mid-February in Matamata, has shown that the KISS principle (keep it simple stupid) was getting a positive response from exhibitors and visitors alike.
Twenty years ago, South African dairy farm manager Louis Vandenberg was sent to a farm in Waikato to provide training on Afimilk technology.
Strong farmgate milk price is helping boost investment on farms, says PGG Wrightson chief executive Stephen Guerin.
Fonterra's 460 milk suppliers in Australia, who will switch to Lactalis end of this month, are unfazed with the impending change.
The 5+ A Day Charitable Trust has launched a collection of affordable recipes designed to turn everyday vegetables into seasonal stars.
OPINION: A mate of yours truly reckons rural Manawatu families are the latest to suffer under what he calls the…
OPINION: If old Winston Peters thinks building trade relations with new nations, such as India, isn't a necessary investment in…
