The moisture deficit is so high in many places that even if it started raining tonight, it could be about four weeks before the grass would have recovered enough for stock to graze on
ADVERTISEMENT
Many farmers have resorted to milking cows once-a-day as grass growth has all but stopped and feed supplies continue to tighten.
The dry conditions are having a major effect on milk production. Theo Spierings, of Fonterra estimated that growth in milk volumes is expected to slow to 1% this year after expanding by 6% at the start of the season.
Critical situation
ADVERTISEMENT
James Houghton of New Zealand farm organisation Federated Farmers explained that the situation has become critical as supplies dwindle and farmers are being forced to sell stock.
“The moisture deficit is so high in many places that even if it started raining tonight, it could be about four weeks before the grass would have recovered enough for stock to graze on,” he said.
DairyNZ, New Zealand’s research and advisory organisation, is advising farmers to consider drying off some of their herd as it may be the best option to protect cow condition and next season’s production.
The opportunity to milk on and turn autumn pasture into milk seems unlikely this season, stated a DairyNZ spokesperson.
A call centre had been set up to enable farmers running low on feed to locate farmers with feed for sale. Most feed is being brought from the south Island, but farmers there are now reporting drought conditions.
Register for free to read this story and our free stories.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe to get unlimited access.
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
CODE ACCEPTED
You have full access to the site until next Wednesday at 9pm.
CODE NOT VALID
Please try again or contact support.
Many farmers have resorted to milking cows once-a-day as grass growth has all but stopped and feed supplies continue to tighten.
The dry conditions are having a major effect on milk production. Theo Spierings, of Fonterra estimated that growth in milk volumes is expected to slow to 1% this year after expanding by 6% at the start of the season.
Critical situation
James Houghton of New Zealand farm organisation Federated Farmers explained that the situation has become critical as supplies dwindle and farmers are being forced to sell stock.
“The moisture deficit is so high in many places that even if it started raining tonight, it could be about four weeks before the grass would have recovered enough for stock to graze on,” he said.
DairyNZ, New Zealand’s research and advisory organisation, is advising farmers to consider drying off some of their herd as it may be the best option to protect cow condition and next season’s production.
The opportunity to milk on and turn autumn pasture into milk seems unlikely this season, stated a DairyNZ spokesperson.
A call centre had been set up to enable farmers running low on feed to locate farmers with feed for sale. Most feed is being brought from the south Island, but farmers there are now reporting drought conditions.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
Link sent to your email address
We have sent an email to your address. Please click on the link in this email to reset your password. If you can't find it in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you can't find the email, please call us on 01-4199525.
ENTER YOUR LOYALTY CODE:
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
SHARING OPTIONS