Support For Farmers Just A Call Away

Welcome rain across the region particularly for farmers as soil moisture levels had been plummeting and the usual dry February started to bite.

The rain came after a meeting last week by rural groups to consider the impact of the dry summer months.

Spokesman  for the Waikato and South Auckland Primary Industry Adverse Event Cluster Core Group, Neil Bateup, said farmers were generally well-prepared for the summer with plenty of supplementary feed for stock.

Neil encouraged people to look after their own wellbeing and take a moment to check on neighbours.

“If you need support or information, you can call your local Rural Support Trust, your rural professionals, or industry groups and supply contacts.

“Farmers will need to be agile. It will rain and conditions will improve, but we do not know if this will be early or late March, or beyond,” said Neil.

Neil recommends farmers staying in regular contact with rural professionals and graziers, to regularly review feed and financial budgets, and have a plan B and plan C.

“Influence what you can control, particularly the communication with others, and planning,” said Neil.

The Waikato and South Auckland Primary Industries Adverse Event Cluster was set up in 2016 to bring together agencies from the primary industries, central and local government to prepare for and coordinate responses to adverse events.