Homebaking and laughs help

Scargill farmer Andy Fox arrived home to find a packet of home-baked shortbread; he says the small gesture has helped restore his faith in human nature.

The biscuits were delivered by some Canterbury churches, one of the many projects underway to bring temporary relief to 300 sheep and beef farmers struggling with one of the worst droughts in the region.

The local Rural Support Trust has been around farms donating bags of goodies and free hot pool passes for farmers and their families; the local school in Scargill has organised a comedy evening for rural residents.

Rainfall in North Canterbury has been at least 40% below average and most farmers have taken the unprecedented step of sending ewes to mid and south Canterbury for grazing; many are unsure how many ewes will return home for lambing.

Fox says while farmers are used to the vagaries of farming, natural disasters can sometime be hard on families; small gestures like biscuits and school events help farmers and their families cope better.

The North Canterbury community, local council, Federated Farmers and agribusinesses have rallied around farmers. A local drought committee, chaired by Hurunui Mayor Winton Dalley, has been set up.

Last month a field day was held on Fox’s farm to look at the nutritional needs of ewes and options for grazing stock; organisers expected 40 farmers, about 130 turned up.

Fox says this showed the real need to get off-farm and talk to other farmers.  “There is a saying that a problem shared is a problem halved; it helped a bit to know that someone else is going through the same thing.”

When Christchurch residents were hit by earthquakes, farmers from the region were on hand to help.

A Christchurch businessman, Grant Silvester, saw it was time to return the favour.  He set up a Facebook page to help North Canterbury farmers; last month he organised the delivery of over 400 bales of feed to affected farmers; the feed was donated by farmers from around the country. 

Federated Farmers North Canterbury meat and fibre chairman Dan Hodgen was a volunteer first responder with Search and Rescue and helped during the earthquakes. He saw firsthand the power of knowing someone cares.

He says the donated feed won’t make drought-stricken farmers turn the corner but is appreciated.

“It’s really nice to know others are aware and concerned about your situation. It’s a bit like a bandage on a broken leg but it has certainly lifted spirits.”

Hodgen, who farms at Waikari, has not sent stock for grazing; instead he saw the writing on the wall and culled 15% of ewes in January and all cattle soon after. He believes his business will lose about $200,000 because of a lower lambing percentage, selling stock at reduced prices and buying extra feed for stock left on the farm.

The drought is not only hitting the pockets of farmers; local towns and contractors are also feeling the pinch. While farmers are resilient and will get through, the flow-on effects on the community will be strongly felt, he says.