Waikato farmers are being urged to bring forward their winter planning as it remains unusually dry in the region.
Waikato remained unusually dry (file photo). Photo: RNZ/Carol Stiles
Farmers are becoming increasingly worried over conditions as forecast rain fails to eventuate.
Industry group Waikato Primary Industries Adverse Event Cluster met at the end of last week to discuss the situation.
Spokesman Neil Bateup, who is also the chair of the Rural Support Trust, said it had been dry since Christmas and farmers have had no reprieve.
"We have been monitoring the climatic situation closely and meeting regularly as we do every summer.
"The La Niña setup contributed to a few ex-tropical cyclones passing near New Zealand, but most have not provided any relief to Waikato and South Auckland."
Bateup advised farmers in the region to plan ahead.
"Monitor your situation very closely be proactive rather than reactive," he said.
"If you're getting concerned about supplement levels, feed levels, make some decisions earlier around drying off cows, it's getting to that time of the year anyway.
"If you can, in the dry stock sector, unload some animals, but it's difficult with space and works at the moment."
Bateup urged farmers to maintain feed budgets, plan for disruptions, and communicate regularly with stock agents and other rural professions.
"Thoughts need to turn to de-risking and building resilience, such as carrying lower stocking rates over winter, and regularly forward planning feed supplies," he said.
"Farm owners and sharemilkers need to discuss their circumstances, be flexible in their farm systems, and make early decisions to avoid long-term consequences."
Meanwhile, Bateup said most farming communities had coped with the self-isolation requirements as Omicron continued to spread.
"We have been able to support the delivery of food to over 50 isolated rural families keeping the rest of us safe by staying home," he said.
"Don't hesitate to make contact if there is a need. We can tailor support to suit your needs and listen to any concerns you may have. We can also help navigate challenges and utilise the network across agencies where needed."
Bateup anticipated more farmers would be contacting the Rural Support Trust for help in the coming weeks.
"One of the big issues that will come up is a lot of farms change hands, or sharemilking jobs change hands on the first of June," he said.
"And usually in the contracts, there are levels of cow condition and levels of feed left on farm, and trying to meet those may become very, very difficult. So, there will have to be some goodwill in those scenarios."