Canterbury suffers another blow

17 December 2013

Canterbury suffers another blow

Farmers are reeling from yet another blow, after a severe localised hail storm tore its way through the Mayfield area of Mid-Canterbury.

“As the year draws to a close and we are fast approaching harvesting season, Mid-Canterbury farmers are facing a financial nightmare after the hail storm yesterday,” says David Clark, Mid-Canterbury Grain and Seed Chairperson.

“This has been a mongrel year for farmers in Mid-Canterbury; we have gone from snow to wind storms to a very dry spring to now this. It is a horrible way to finish off the year, with radish and carrot crops shredded and wheat and barley crops having the stuffing knocked out of them.

“Whilst this storm was localised, some of these crops will be a write off and individual loses on farms affected will tally into several hundred thousand dollars each. It is a cruel and unusual punishment to a region that has been through enough.

“Farmers who suspect any damage to their wheat crops should contact FMG on 0800 366 466 as they are covered by the United Wheat Grower’s Wheat Insurance Scheme, and where Commercial Insurance is held over other crops, they should contact their representative immediately. A call to their rural bank manager is helpful for everyone to work though the issues together.

“If there is anything Federated Farmers can do to help, please contact either myself or our provincial president, Chris Allen,” concluded Mr Clark.

ENDS

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