KEY POINTS:
Farmers facing dry conditions in many parts of the country are being urged to act early and have a response plan in mind.
Being prepared to act early would make a difference to farmers, Meat and Wool New Zealand (MWNZ) said today.
MWNZ had drawn up a quick check list that summarised the most important farm management and animal welfare advice, and social stress factors to watch for, general manager farm services Richard Wakelin said.
"It talks about feed budgeting, selling stock early and focusing on maximising income rather than reducing costs, given most farm costs are fixed."
It was important to feed stock as well as possible, Mr Wakelin said.
"Concentrate on per-head performance to maximise profit in the medium term. The best stock, well fed, will produce better offspring."
Many farmers were still recovering from the drought last season and the financial and social stress was considerable in some cases.
"We need to be watching out for friends and family and recognising behaviour changes that might signal when extra support is needed."
A regional team would work with farmers, monitoring the situation and assessing progress as weather conditions changed.
The team would work closely with MAF and provide information for drought situation reports.
Meanwhile, the MetService said it was forecasting some rain for farmers in Canterbury and Otago over the next few days as a large low pressure system crosses the South Island.
"Places around Christchurch and North Canterbury have so far had less than 10mm of rain this month," MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt said.
"Some relief may be in sight as a cool southwesterly change is likely to reach Canterbury late on Tuesday with some rain."
Humid northerly winds were also affecting the North Island, and a brief period of heavy rain on Tuesday was likely in northern and western districts and about the eastern ranges of the Bay of Plenty.
The south Wairarapa region and the coastal areas of Gisborne have had less than 10mm of rain so far this month, and may receive a few more millimetres on Tuesday.
Another low pressure system was expected to cross the South Island this weekend bringing more rain to farmers.
- NZPA
