Editorial: Preparing for drought
OPINION: Farmers along the east coast of both islands are being urged to start planning for drought as recent nor'west winds have left soil moisture levels depleted.
“North Canterbury – and the Cheviot area in particular – has missed most of the recent rainfall, and continues to face severe drought conditions,” says Guy.
“Because of this, an additional $20,000 is being allocated to the North Canterbury Rural Support Trust. This will help them with more intensive activities, including individual visits and community events.
“The major concern from farmers and community leaders I’ve met today is feeding livestock through the coming winter, so it’s important that farmers revise their feed budgets now.”
North Canterbury now has the highest soil moisture deficit in the country and has recorded the lowest rainfall for January to March since 1972.
The entire east coast of the South Island is classified as being in a ‘medium scale adverse event’. Recovery measures and funding will remain in place until later this year, depending on conditions over autumn and winter.
Guy says that this classification has triggered additional Government support, including funding for Rural Support Trusts – organisations that work closely with farmers and rural communities to provide support and guidance.
“With these extreme conditions, it’s important that affected communities know there is additional support still available through their Rural Support Trusts, including Rural Assistance Payments for those facing extreme hardship,” he says.
Inland Revenue can also offer flexibility with tax obligations.
Guy says the Government has a number of initiatives underway to address the need for more water storage and irrigation projects.
“The Ministry for Primary Industries is keeping a close watch on the ongoing impacts of the drought throughout the country and is in close contact with local communities.”
