Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is thinking of all the farmers in the Tasman and Marlborough regions who have been hit hard by recent weather events, with more forecasted. Here’s how you can prepare and access support. If you’re outside of the impacted areas, you can help by donating.
“It’s been an incredibly tough time for farmers in the upper South Island, we are encouraging farmers to get prepared in case the forecasted rain gets heavy,” says Amanda Henderson, B+LNZ’s Extension Manager for Tasman and Marlborough.
“Whilst there’s been devastating impacts, it’s heartening to see the community rally together. For example, the team at Repost Fence Posts is running a pop-up shop throughout the weekend where there will be thousands of free repurposed fence posts available.”
More detail about the Repost pop-up shop, running 25-27 July, can be found on their Facebook page.
Preparing for more adverse weather
Another round of rainfall is currently forecast for the end of July and early August. While forecasts can change, now is the time to act to reduce the risk of further damage.
Key advice:
- Know where your stock are and be prepared to shift your stock to safer paddocks
- If you can safely do so, clear waterways to reduce additional flooding impacts
Support available for impacted farmers
There is help on the ground now, ready to be deployed.
This includes:
- Access to diggers, contractors, and volunteers. Support is focused on clearing silt and debris, reinstating fencing, and restoring farm access.
- Funding through the Mayoral Relief Fund or Federated Farmers members can contact them at support@fedfarm.org.nz.
- Work can begin immediately – no consents are needed due to the state of emergency
If you're facing transport issues (e.g., due to the Takaka Hill closure), especially for livestock, please notify MPI so they can assist.
Wellbeing support
We know the emotional toll of repeated events can be just as heavy as the physical clean-up. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, please reach out to the Rural Support Trust at 0800 787 254. They offer free, confidential support and are here to help.
The team at Farmstrong also have great ‘Getting Through’ advice focused on helping you recover from extreme weather events, including stories of other farmers who have navigated tough times.
How you can help
If you're a farmer outside the impacted areas and want to support your fellow farmers, consider donating to the Farmers Adverse Events Trust. Every dollar goes directly to helping farmers recover and rebuild.
Practical tips for recovery
For those dealing with silt and slip-damaged pastures, here are a few key reminders:
- Do a soil test to understand nutrient levels in silt
- Prioritise areas that will give the best return
- Work with nature and use volunteer labour where possible
- Talk to your neighbours and share what you are thinking and planning so you can work together and support each other
If silt is shallow, lightly cultivate and oversow with pasture mix when soil temperatures allow. For deeper layers, consider mixing silt with topsoil and sowing short-term ryegrass or forage crops. Oversowing is an option but requires careful timing and coated seed.
For slips, both the scar and debris should be oversown – getting helicopter application may be the most effective. Tie this in with autumn fertiliser to boost regrowth.
Access the B+LNZ's flood support here.