MPI is urging New Zealand farmers to think ahead and have a plan in place to ensure their animals are well looked-after in the coming months, with another potentially hot summer on the way.
The entire North Island, parts of the South Island, and the Chatham Islands were hit by widespread drought earlier this year and forecasters are predicting more trying weather conditions.
NIWA has confirmed La Niña could mean below-average rainfall for the South Island and lower North Island, said MPI.
The most likely affected areas will be west and south of Christchurch, with a more humid than average summer, according to the Crown Research Institute's latest Seasonal Climate Outlook.
Dr Chris Rodwell, MPI veterinarian and Director Animal Health and Welfare, said there were many steps farmers could take to help keep their animals comfortable, and safe, over summer.
"While dry conditions are challenging, most farmers can capably manage weather extremes all year round and know how to take care of their animals in hot weather."
Rodwell said it was imperative farmers have plans in place.
"A good plan will reduce stress and ensure that the dry summer will not impact on the following season's production."
Livestock should be protected from weather extremes. Photo / Supplied
Livestock need to be safe from heat stress and cold stress – and dairy cows are more sensitive to heat than cold. Animals should also be protected from extreme weather changes, like storms.
• Graze cows close to the dairy shed to reduce walking distances for milking and let them move at their own pace;
• Milk cows later in the afternoon or early evening when the temperature has dropped
• Use paddocks with shade or provide cows with access to well-ventilated, shaded housing facilities
• Provide supplementary feed at night, so the extra heat generated by digestion occurs at the coolest time of day
• Make sure cows always have good clean drinking water. Milking cows can drink more than 100 litres per day in summer
• Provide shade or use a sprinkler system in the dairy yard, while cows wait to be milked
Fire
MPI is urging farmers to have a plan in place to ensure their staff, whānau and livestock are safe in the event of a fire. Photo / Supplied
Have a proper plan in place to ensure your staff, whānau and livestock are safe if you are forced to evacuate due to fire.
Some of the money had gone into feed planning and coordination services. MPI allocated an additional $350,000 to extend the service until the end of June next year.
Dr Rodwell encouraged farmers to use this MPI-funded service delivered by DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb NZ, Federated Farmers, and other specialist providers, to help them get through.
"Good animal welfare requires good planning – it's not always easy but there is always help, advice and support available."
More information about how to deal with adverse events – and help with planning for summer – can be found on MPI's website, or through local rural support trusts.
