New Zealand: Drought and Covid-19 lockdowns could mean challenging times ahead for farmers
New Zealand
Published Feb 18, 2021
Tridge summary
Farmers should act now to prepare themselves for further Covid-19 restrictions and prolonged dry weather, Federated Farmers says.
Original content
Dairy chairman Wayne Langford said the dual threat could lead to “challenging months ahead” and farmers ought to review feed supply levels and order any urgent machinery parts now to avoid being caught short. “There is a high chance this won’t be the last lockdown we’ll see in coming months. Nor does anyone have a working crystal ball to say when the likes of Northland and East Coast provinces will get regular rain.” Any further Covid restrictions could put pressure on transport and supply lines, Langford said. Federated Farmers meat and wool chairman William Beetham said farmers also needed to get enough sleep and exercise and stay in touch with friends. “It always helps talking to someone when times get tough.” Rural Support Network chairman Neil Bateup said there had been a fair bit of rain in many areas during the last few days. At this point in time it was “just summer” and the dry had not gone on for too long, he said. Pasture growth last spring had been “incredible”, so ...
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