The West Coast is today forwarding its request to the Ministry for Primary Industries for a medium scale adverse event declaration.
“The 2012-13 drought came late in the season but is North Island wide and that’s something Wellingtonians know all too well,” says Katie Milne, Federated Farmers Adverse Events spokesperson.
“I can now confirm the West Coast of the South Island is also requesting a medium scale adverse event declaration due to drought.
“This lack of rain remains a concern with soil moisture deficits pushing upwards of 150mm. Even with steady rain it will take time to correct but with each passing day winter closes in.
“To show the public what farmers are doing, Federated Farmers is holding ‘Farming in Drought’ Farm Days this Sunday in Rotorua and Wellington. All the details are at www.farmday.org.nz. We are holding another one near Tauranga next Sunday (24 March).
“The good news is that the feed markets seem to be working well. Feed supplies were reinforced this week by feed coming up from the South Island.
“Federated Farmers sincerely thanks the hard work being put in by all the rural and feed supply merchants, contractors and truckers. We would also like to single out David Clark, Federated Farmers Grain & Seed Vice-Chairperson, for taking a leadership role around South Island feed.
“It will be a long, slow grind out of drought for the North Island with parts of the South Island now convening drought meetings too.
“Given the Rural Support Trusts run on the smell of an oily rag and are volunteer driven, I think the entire rural community will welcome the extra funding they will receive. This is about funding advice and counselling services.
“It is why the biggest boost these declarations give farmers from Tararua to Auckland is psychological. It tells farmers they have not stuffed up and it is okay to ask your mates, your bank and the Rural Support Trusts for advice,” Mrs Milne concluded.
