The Government has declared Northland as a medium-level drought zone with all three of
Current Situation |
10 March 2010
- Rainfall over the last 7 days: 3mm-58mm. Very variable geographically
- The 2009/10 rainfall is following closely to the pattern of previous severe dry events as shown in the chart for Kerikeri - Drought years' rainfall patterns. Source: NIWA/NRC
- Daily records for April show that in the previous two droughts, major rainfall events (greater than 50 mm) did not occur until 19th – 22nd of April
- Farmers should be “planning for the worst and hoping for the best”
- No substantial rain is forecast over the next week to 10 days for the region.
- Milk production is 2% behind last season, but down 25% for month and down 66% on a daily basis
- Pasture growth rates are from 10 – 35kgDM/ha/day (higher on kikuyu)
- Average pasture covers range between 1400 – 1600kgDM/ha. Reaching calving farm pasture cover of 2200kgDM/ha will be slower and will cost money. Do you have a plan for your farm? Attend an upcoming drought meeting to get some strategies
- Rotations: A longer rotation helps build cover faster than a slower rotation. Use supplements to start increasing rotation length after it rains.
- Crickets: Farmers recorded good results from cricket baiting. From now baiting is less effective (only 35% effective now and will reduce infestation next summer). If cricket numbers are more than 10/m2, click on the link below and discuss with a rural professional. The cost to bait is $25-30/ha.
- Download file "Research Stocktake: Insect Pests"
- Water restrictions have started in Kaitaia, Opononi and Omapare
- Farm Water Supplies: Clean and deepen dams for the future. If facing water shortages, such as a temporary supply pumped from a river or stream (if there is one flowing), cart in water and if all fails then remove stock from the farm
- The RST Ag Recovery Facilitators provide drought 1:1 visits. To book a visit contact Helen Moodie on 0800 778 667
- Financial: Bankers are recommending farmers have feed and financial budgets ready before calling them to review funding
- Rural Assistance Payments are available to provide financial help to farming families. For more information call 0800 778 667.
Northland Drought Updates
DairyNZ Farmwatch
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Northland’s districts – the Far North, Whangarei and Kaipara – affected.
A record dry November and challenging spring conditions have led to poor pasture in many areas, which has dried out further with the recent low rainfall, high winds and temperatures.
The following pages provide advice to farmers on how to manage their way through the drought itself as well as tips on what to do once the drought has broken.
Farming through the drought >>Read more
Management options during the drought:
- Have a plan in place
- Take action early
- Know what is happening
- Set up for next season
- Ask for help if you need it
Farming out of the drought >>Read more
Management options once the drought has broken:
- Limit the damage to this and future seasons
- Develop and implement a feed and financial recovery plan
- Start by growing more grass – slow rotation, nitrogen, regrassing
- Don’t forget young stock
- Use your farming colleagues, advisors, accountant and banker
Contacts:
- DairyNZ Farmer Information Service:
0800 4 DAIRY NZ (0800 4 324 7969)
- Rural Support Trust Northland: 0800 778 667
- Federated Farmers (for matching feed supply/demand): 0800 DROUGHT (0800 376 844)
Events:
There are a number of dry summer and drought management events taking place across the country. To find the event in your area click here
Useful Links:
Related Pages:
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