Drought continues as rain falls

It may have been raining this week and the grass may look green – but the drought in the Bay of Plenty is still very serious, according to Bay of Plenty Rural Support Trust Chairman Derek Spratt

The Trust is working with dairy and beef and sheep farmers to help them make the farm management decisions needed to ensure that they come through the drought in as strong a position as possible. The Trust will also work with Fruitgrowers representatives if a need arises, Mr Spratt said.

“The drought situation is serious. It is much drier than it would normally be at this time of year and we are at least one month ahead of what would be normal low river flows. And there is no expectation of sufficient rain in the next six weeks or so.”

“The last significant rain was in late September, and the cold start to the spring and much lower than average rainfall since then, many crops didn’t establish and less hay and silage was made.
This drought is regarded as a one in 30 year event.

“About 100mm of rain over a week is needed to substantially improve the situation - NIWA maps very show dry soils over the entire region”, he said.

“It is crucial that farmers do something now. The best farmers are adjusting their management now, and it’s important to have a plan written down and reviewed regularly,” Mr Spratt said.

He urged farmers to get help if they needed it. It was not too late to act by culling cows, feeding supplement, selling trading stock and securing a water supply. Areas with limited water supply should be grazed first.

“Farmers need to stay informed. The Trust will be updating farmers regularly through the media, and at on-farm field days and intended workshops. Farmers can get advice from Fonterra, DairyNZ, Meat and Wool, or ask the Trust for contacts.

He said the government is providing assistance through supporting the Rural Support Trusts and Regional Action Programs.

“There is no compensation chequebook from the government waiting to be opened. But there is funding support for the Rural Support Trust to help individuals and provide tech transfer.

“Inland Revenue may be able to provide tax assistance such as late deposits or early withdrawals from the income equalisation scheme, late re-estimates of provisional tax, time extensions for filing, instalment arrangements or remission of penalties.”

He encouraged farmers to look into Working for Families tax credits to help with family costs, childcare assistance or accommodation supplements.

“Farmers need to acknowledge that the feelings of loss of control that a drought brings, can affect people, their families and their business. There is support available to manage this stress. You can get help for this through the Rural Support Trust or talk to your farm advisor, accountant or banker. We’re working to make sure these wider rural professionals are aware of what assistance is available.”

The Trust has Ag Recovery facilitators on the ground to help farmers identify options to deal with their individual situations.

Visit www.rural-support.org.nz

ENDS

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