A combination of constant flooding, a fall in milk payout and an increase in local rates could force some people out of farming in Northland.
That's the view of farmers' lobby groups who say the fact that between 20 and 30 mixed farms have had to be sold by banks in Northland over the last two years is indicative of the financial, physical and mental pressures they have been under. Another deluge this week, particularly in the Far North which is already facing a $30 million roading repair bill from last month's storm, has exacerbated the situation for some farmers who haven't fully recovered from the effects of the July rainfall.
Federated Farmers Northland president Roger Ludbrook said like any business, farmers had to deal with situations beyond their control and some were not able to cope as well as others.
"Generally and anecdotally, 80 per cent of debt is carried by 20 per cent of farmers and, if you're one of those and your farm is under water then it becomes difficult.
"The other thing is the banks' ability to be ready to assist us."
