Southern farmers have had an early reminder that winter is on its way.
Photo: RNZ
A large part of inland Southland and south Otago received snow overnight and this morning - up to 10cm in some parts - and snow showers are expected until tomorrow morning.
MetService said it was a significant fall for this time of year, especially following the recent mild weather across the country.
Federated Farmers' Southland president, Russel MacPherson, says the cold snap was not causing too much concern for farmers, but it would get them thinking about preparing for winter.
"It's probably a good wake-up to farmers that winter is on its way, so we'll certainly be thinking about feed levels and thinking about wintering.
"It's kind of hard on stock, stock are pretty cold this morning, especially cattle are feeling the cold."
But he said sheep that had "a bit of wool" on them would be alright. haven't heard of anybody really concerned about the level of winter feed.
Mr MacPherson said the province had good feed reserves.
"Fodder crops like beet and swedes are looking pretty good, so on the whole I think people are pretty well set up for the winter."
But he said farmers might want to start rationing grass.
Arable farmers
Arable farmers, who had almost finished harvesting this season's crops, would be anxious to see what damage the snow may have caused to remaining crops.
A cropping farmer in northern Southland, Steve Wilkins, said most people had finished harvesting, but some late crops could be affected by the snow fall.
"The weight of the snow is going to push them down closer to the ground, potentially the stems will break off and the grain will come closer to the ground and (be) unable to be picked up by the harvesters - I guess potentially there will be lost crops."
He said it would not have much effect on quality, but would make harvesting particularly difficult, and in some cases impossible.
MetService said snow was expected in Canterbury later today as the cold front moved up the country.