Farmers across the North Island are being urged to brace for worsening drought conditions as a prolonged dry spell continues. Some regions are experiencing the worst drought-like conditions in decades, with parts of Taranaki calling it a “once-in-a-fifty-year” event.
Stephen Hopkinson, a veterinarian and member of the Taranaki Rural Co-ordination Group, which is working alongside the region’s Rural Support Trust, explained that the southern parts of the region, including areas near Hāwera and Manaia, are experiencing particularly dire circumstances. He emphasized that although Taranaki is no stranger to dry summers, the current situation is exceptional, with this drought being one of the worst in recent memory. Hopkinson noted that water shortages are exacerbating the crisis, as wells and bores are drying up due to low water tables, a situation that has never been encountered in the area before. This lack of water is adding another layer of complexity to the already challenging conditions.
To assist farmers in managing the crisis, a series of meetings have been held throughout the Taranaki Maunga region. These events, attended by over 100 farmers, aim to provide advice on strategies for coping with the tough conditions. Topics discussed include the need to cull livestock, reduce herd sizes, and budget for feed, which are all pressing concerns for the agricultural community. With large portions of the region already dried out, the Rural Co-ordination Group is expecting to hear from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) within the next two weeks to determine whether an official drought declaration will be made.
Amanda Jordan, chair of the Taranaki Rural Support Trust, stressed the importance of community support during such difficult times. She encouraged farmers to check on their neighbours and to reach out to the trust’s 0800 number if they need help. With water and feed supplies dwindling, many farmers are facing tough decisions regarding their livestock, with culling being one of the only options for some.
In Whanganui, hill country farmer Grant Adkins noted that the region hasn’t faced a significant dry spell for several years, leaving many farmers unprepared for the current situation. Adkins has already started reducing his stock by sending store lambs away and culling cattle. He warned that some farmers are running low on supplementary feed and may not have enough to see them through the next few months. “We’ve got enough feed cover to carry on for another month, but there are farms out there that don’t have that, and that’s concerning,” he said. He advised farmers to act now, seek advice if needed, and avoid allowing their livestock to lose condition, as this could make the animals unsellable.
Adkins is closely monitoring the weather forecast and expressed increasing concern if rain doesn’t arrive soon. He is also watching market trends, noting that livestock prices have remained stable, which he sees as a positive in this difficult period. For farmers unsure whether to sell, Adkins recommends selling while prices are still strong, as it could provide a much-needed financial buffer.
Meanwhile, in the Manawatū region, dairy farmer James Stewart shared that pastures are drying out due to warm easterly winds, and feed supplies are becoming scarce. Many farmers in the area have turned to irrigators to maintain pasture quality. As autumn approaches, Stewart noted that farmers will begin to reduce their cow numbers by culling, but the higher milk payout is giving farmers some leeway to purchase supplementary feed without too much concern.
Overall, the ongoing drought conditions are placing a significant strain on farmers across the North Island. Water shortages, dwindling feed supplies, and the difficult decision to cull livestock are all contributing to a challenging and uncertain future for many in the agricultural sector. -TIN Bureau
