Dairy suffering but growers are 'looking good'

Warm days and cool nights are giving growers high-quality fruit and a hassle-free harvest.

Central Hawke's Bay is drying up but the district is faring a lot better than other parts of New Zealand, Hawke's Bay Federated Farmers president Will Foley said.

The region was faring well compared with the drought-stricken parts of the South Island.

Dairy farmers were suffering a "double whammy" of a low pay out and drought-related lower production. "That sector, as a whole, is probably more stressed out than others."

He said it was just as well Hawke's Bay had the lowest proportion of dairy farming in the country.

"We have grapes and other things that are going gangbusters - we have a good diversity here."

Hawke's Bay Winegrowers Association executive officer James Medina said this year's harvest was on track to be another great year.

Yields were down from last year's bumper crop but were still very good and quality was "looking good".

"It is early days but everything is on track for a very good season," he said.

Pipfruit New Zealand chief executive Alan Pollard said the apple harvest was up to two weeks later than last season and the quantity likely down on last year's bumper crop but the quality was "fantastic".

"There is a lot of fruit around because of the Russian ban on Europe and North America, which causes some challenges, but equally our premium fruit is what consumers want so we are hopeful that we will maintain our premium position in those markets."

There were no problems at Napier Port due to changes following last year's delays, when some fruit missed ships.

"We have worked with the port to extend operating hours and that has worked very well."

Major grower and exporter John Bostock said it was a great season. "The quality of the apples, squash and onions is fantastic - these are the years we love. Beautiful warm days and cool evenings make for very good quality."

He said the New Zealand dollar had retreated from last year's high against the US dollar.

"The market is strong and I would say Hawke's Bay is in a pretty good place at the moment."

He hoped it stayed dry to the end of April but WeatherWatch forecasters have raised the possibility of tropical cyclone later this month.

Computer models show a storm is likely between Queensland and Fiji next week. The low will be naturally attracted towards New Zealand but a large high between Tasmania and Fiordland may bump it off course.

It would be bad news for vineyards but welcome relief for Central Hawke's Bay sheep and beef farmers.

If the warm, wet weather continued the farmers would be on facial eczema alert.

Hawke's Bay has had low spore counts thanks to cool nights but there are reports of isolated outbreaks.

"We need the nights to cool off so it abates - it wouldn't surprise me if it is an issue," Mr Foley said.