NIWA soil moisture model.
News Item.
22-01-10: Northland Drought.
The Government has acted on a recommendation from 'Rural Support Trust (RST) Northland' and formally announced that the region is in the grip of a drought.
This is a serious problem for farmers throughout the region. NIWA figures indicate exceptionally low soil moisture levels and this will get worse if weather forecasts of insufficient rain over the next 6 -8 weeks, prove correct.
The problem has been compounded by the the very cold October that restricted early growth, reducing the potential of many crops and limited quantities of hay/silage available.
Farmers must act now.
It is crucial that farmers take a proactive approach and respond to the drought conditions quickly. Many farmers are already adjusting their management regime and it is not too late for others to act:
- write a plan, and review it regularly
- cull cows
- feed supplements
- sell trading stock
- graze areas with limited water supply first
- seek assistance, if needed
Farmers should stay informed.
Information is an important asset and the RST along with other industry specific agencies, can help. Information is available from:
- Rural Support Trust - Northland
- Fonterra
- DairyNZ
- Meat and Wool
Appropriate on-farm actions will change over time in response to shifting circumstances. RST-Northland will be updating farmers regularly using local and national media. It is expected that further on-farm field days and workshops will be available.
Assistance can take many forms:
- farm planning and management advice
- workshops and field days
- rural assistance payments
- tax relief provision
- benefit advice
- counseling services
For further information contact 'RST-Northland' Recovery Facilitator Helen Moodie:-
tel: 09 430 0954
email: helen.moodie
Dry Northland landscape presents a challenge for farmers.
A farm plan will help manage limited grazing opportunities.
Background.
The Rural Support Trust – Northland is working with both the dairy and the beef/sheep industry to ensure that farmers are able to access the information they need to make the farm management decisions required to ensure that they come through the drought in as strong a position as possible.
From the Rural Support Trust Northland perspective, central government assistance is required when the regional impact of the drought is beyond the community's capacity to cope.
More information about RST-Northland can be found here>