‘We’ll get through it together’
Some parts of Southland have already had double the usual rainfall for September, and farmers should ask for help to cope with the conditions if they need it, a farming leader says.
Despite only being halfway though the month, data from Environment Southland shows rainfall in Mossburn, Riversdale, Five Rivers and Oreti have reached over 200% above the long-term average for September.
Southland Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick said it was important farmers who were struggling with the conditions asked for help.
“You can’t control the weather but you can control how you plan for it and react to it, and if you need help with that it’s important that you ask for it – there are plenty of places to get advice,” he said.
“It’s a terrible season for the sheep and beef guys with this weather during calving and lambing, but we’re all in the same boat and we’ll all get through it together,” he said.
Farmers could talk to Federated Farmers, the Rural Support Trust or call 1737 to speak to someone if they were not coping, he said.
“It can feel like you’re operating in a bit of a silo, so just going and have a cup of tea or a beer with your neighbour, getting off the farm for a while is a great idea – you realise you’re not in this on your own,” he said.
The Rural Support Trust is running a series of “Brunch on Us” breakfasts throughout Southland in the next few weeks which were a good reason to get off the farm and catch up with friends, Herrick said.
Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds has
“I urge anyone in need of support or advice to reach out to their neighbours or to local farming networks.’’
given her support to the province’s farmers currently experiencing exceptionally difficult weather conditions at their busiest time of year.
“Here in Southland, the excessive rainfall has led to over-saturated ground, resulting in flooded paddocks and a rapid deterioration in soil conditions turning to mud, and causing feed supply shortages for some.”
Snow settled on the ground in some areas on Tuesday morning, which did not help the situation, she said.
“Farmers have been facing the dual challenge of managing calving and lambing while contending with these relentless wet conditions and weather events.
“Many are working long hours and are exhausted from the ongoing struggle, with some farmers saying the current conditions are some of the worst seen in two decades.”
She was concerned about the younger farmers, share milkers, and contract milkers who may be facing these severe weather conditions for the first time.
“I urge anyone in need of support or advice to reach out to their neighbours or to local farming networks.”
In addition to the adverse weather, farmers were also grappling with low lamb prices, high interest rates, and staffing issues, all of which were contributing to heightened stress and mental health challenges, she said.
“It is crucial to remember that support is available. I encourage anyone feeling overwhelmed to contact the Southland Rural Support Trust at 0800 787 254.
“A problem shared is a problem halved, and seeking help is an important step in navigating these difficult times,” Simmonds said.
Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds