‘Excellent’ survival through lambing season

These triplets with their mum, snapped at Matawhero in late July, were part of a good lambing result for the region. File picture by Liam Clayton

The lambing season across Tairāwhiti has ended and with docking nearly finished too, indications are lambing has been good for the region’s farmers.

Agfirst consultant Peter Andrew said there was above average ewe scanning this season.

“We have seen excellent lamb survival rates and it’s produced a good lambing result.”

Mr Andrew said the extra lambs produced will be needed to help compensate for the recent drop in both ewe and lamb prices.

“One negative is there have been quite a high number of winter ewe deaths, with animals often caught in Cyclone Gabrielle slips.

“There was a worry about feed covers (grass growth) across the district but the recent rain sorted that out.”

Mr Andrew said the fresh grass growth brought on by the rain was welcomed by farmers right across the region.

“However, it means farmers are going to have lots of chances to improve their dagging skills on the run-up to Christmas.”