Wairarapa at drought 'tipping point'

RAIN: Tiraumea farmer Stuart Robbie is elated to see the rain come down.

Wednesday's downpour was welcome enough for farmers, but the dry conditions are at a "tipping point" for Wairarapa, says Carterton Mayor John Booth.

Mr Booth, who runs 200ha in Dakins Rd, mainly dairy support, said the downpour would not make a difference to the dry conditions facing farms.

"We're not at the panic point yet, but we are at a crucial stage.

"It's verging on becoming a serious problem."

He said most farmers were "pretty savvy" about what a drought meant, and for now things could go either way.

"If this carries on, with heat in the high 20s, low 30s, we could have a serious problem on our hands."

He had noted some destocking of farms, and sale numbers had not been high, meaning farmers were being cautious about what they bought, with minimal surplus feed.

He could remember, in the 60s and 70s, having very dry summers, but things seemed to be getting drier later in the year.

"When the rains come in autumn, they come later than they used to.

"The ground gets drier, and you can't generate the food."

Restrictions on taking water for irrigation are now in effect for all but three of Wairarapa's rivers, due to low river flows. "Most guys just get on with it," said Mr Booth.

"If you don't understand what happens at this time of year ... "

In 2012/2013 Wairarapa endured an official drought, with the entire North Island declared a drought zone in March 2013.