Heavy rain affecting parts of Northland over the weekend is another blow to farmers recovering from the recent drought.
To support farmer decision-making as they deal with silt-damaged pastures, hungry stock and damaged infrastructure, Beef + lamb New Zealand has put together flood-specific management resources.
These include a list of immediate priorities and action plans, how to deal with silt, health and safety and guidelines for volunteers working on farm post-flood.
Veronica Gillett, Extension Manager for Northern North Island says recent rainfall in Northland has been powerful and destructive.
“Many farms are still underwater and those that have drained, are dealing with water damaged buildings, fencing, silted paddocks, damaged waterlines, stock that need shifting or urgent supplementary feeding.”
This event is another layer of pressure on farmers at a tough time of the year. Feed resources are already stretched due to drought and calving and lambing have started.
Veronica says it is important that farmers are well supported during this time and there are a number of people and organisations ready and willing to help with whatever is necessary.
Mark Harris, B+LNZ’s Adverse Events manager, says dealing with flood damage is another blow to farmers in the region and he urges anyone affected to make use of the support that is available. This includes volunteers helping in the immediate aftermath of the floods to sector-specific feed services 0800 BEEFLAMB (0800 23 33 52) and 0800 4 DairyNZ (0800 43 24 79 69) and the Rural Support Trust.
For flood and feed management advice go to: