Survey shows damage from last month's flood

Farmers say a survey of more than 3500 landowners has given the first detailed assessment of farm damage in the Manawatu and Rangitikei regions from last month's floods.

Rural recovery workers surveyed 2655 property owners and the Tararua District Council surveyed 1000 ratepayers. Silt damage and slips were the two main problems, with 29 per cent of Manawatu rural landowners affected by both.

About a quarter of farmers lost fencing and more than 10 per cent lost stock.

The head of the rural task group, farmer Shelley Dew-Hopkins, said the survey was the first contact some farmers had had with the outside world after the floods.

The worst-affected areas were Pohangina Valley, Kiwitea, Kimbolton, Rewa, Peep-O-Day, Rangiotu, Kopane, Rongotea and Moutoa, Turakina Valley, Scott's Ferry, Tangimoana, Tokomaru to Koputaroa and Opiki.

Of the 238 Fonterra suppliers contacted, one-third were affected by silt and slips. Other problems included lost and damaged fencing, damage to internal tracks, bridges and culverts, crops killed and loss of feed supplements.

Surveys on 1119 sheep and beef farms showed 33 per cent had slip and silt damage. Internal tracks and roads were damaged on 31 per cent and 28 per cent lost fences.

Surveys on 34 cropping farms revealed crop losses on one-third, and fences lost on 30 per cent. Slips and silt were reported on 21 per cent.

Of the 271 lifestyle blocks surveyed, most reported no damage.

Flooding's toll

Survey of Manawatu and Rangitikei farmers finds:

* Silt damage and slips two main problems.

* Twenty-nine per cent of Manawatu rural landowners affected by both.

* About a quarter of Manawatu and Rangitikei farmers suffered fencing losses. More than 10 per cent lost stock .

- NZPA